Display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus includes: a display panel configured to display an image, a supporting member on a rear surface of the display panel, at least one sound generation device adjacent to the display panel, a wiring configured to transfer a signal to the at least one sound generation device, and a supporting plate on the rear surface of the display panel, the supporting plate being under the at least one sound generation device and the wiring.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/047,607, filed on Jul. 27, 2018, which claims the benefit of andpriority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0098710, filed on Aug.3, 2017, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a display apparatus, and moreparticularly, to a display apparatus that vibrates a display panel togenerate sound.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

With the advancement of an information-oriented society, variousrequirements for the display field of expressing information inaccordance with an electrical information signal are increasing. Thus,research is being conducted on various display apparatuses that arethin, light, and have low power consumption. For example, displayapparatuses include a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus, a fieldemission display (FED) apparatus, an organic light-emitting displayapparatus, a light-emitting diode display apparatus, a quantum dotlight-emitting display apparatus, etc.

Among the above display apparatus, the LCD apparatus may include anarray substrate including a thin film transistor (TFT), an uppersubstrate including a color filter and/or a black matrix, and a liquidcrystal layer between the array substrate and the upper substrate. Analignment state of the liquid crystal layer is controlled based on anelectric field applied to two electrodes in a pixel region, wherebylight transmittance is adjusted based on the alignment state of theliquid crystal layer, thereby displaying an image.

The light-emitting diode display apparatus, the quantum dotlight-emitting display apparatus, and the organic light-emitting displayapparatus, which are self-light emitting display apparatuses, haveadvantages in fast response time, high emission efficiency, highluminance, and a wide viewing angle in comparison with other displayapparatuses. Thus, these apparatuses are attracting much attention.

A display apparatus may display an image, and an additional speaker forsupplying sound generally has to be provided. If the speaker is providedin the display apparatus, the sound generated in the speaker advancestoward a lower or rear portion of the display panel, instead of toward afront portion of the display panel. Thus, the sound does not advancetoward the front portion of the display panel, i.e., toward a user whowatches the image displayed on the display panel, which may bedisruptive to a user's immersion experience.

In addition, when the sound generated in the speaker advances toward thelower or rear portion of the display panel, sound quality isdeteriorated due to interference with sound reflected on the wall orfloor. Furthermore, when the speaker is included in a set apparatus,such as a television (TV), the speaker occupies a space, which mayimpose a restriction on design and a spatial disposition of the setapparatus is limited.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a display apparatusthat substantially obviates one or more of the issues due to limitationsand disadvantages of the related art.

An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display apparatusincluding a sound generation device capable of outputting sound to afront direction of a display panel.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a displayapparatus having an enhanced aesthetic because a sound generation deviceand a wiring for supplying a signal to the sound generation device aredisposed to not be visible at a supporting member.

Additional features and aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or maybe learned by practice of the inventive concepts provided herein. Otherfeatures and aspects of the inventive concepts may be realized andattained by the structure particularly pointed out in the writtendescription, or derivable therefrom, and the claims hereof as well asthe appended drawings.

To achieve these and other aspects of the inventive concepts as embodiedand broadly described, there is provided a display apparatus, including:a display panel configured to display an image, a supporting member on arear surface of the display panel, at least one sound generation deviceadjacent to the display panel, a wiring configured to transfer a signalto the at least one sound generation device, and a supporting plate onthe rear surface of the display panel, the supporting plate being underthe at least one sound generation device and the wiring.

In another aspect, there is provided a display apparatus, including:display apparatus, comprising: a display panel configured to display animage; at least one supporting member on a rear surface of the displaypanel; at least one sound generation device adjacent to the displaypanel; a wiring configured to transfer a signal to the at least onesound generation device; and a supporting plate on a rear surface of theat least one supporting member, the supporting plate comprising at leastone hole through which the wiring extends to the rear surface of the atleast one supporting member.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages will be, or will become,apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the followingfigures and detailed description. It is intended that all suchadditional systems, methods, features and advantages be included withinthis description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and beprotected by the following claims. Nothing in this section should betaken as a limitation on those claims. Further aspects and advantagesare discussed below in conjunction with embodiments of the disclosure.It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the present disclosure areexamples and explanatory, and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the disclosure as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, that may be included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure andtogether with the description serve to explain various principles of thedisclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a display apparatus including a sound generationdevice according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views illustrating a soundgeneration device according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a sound generating operation method of asound generation device with a first structure according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a sound generating operation method of asound generation device with a second structure according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a display apparatus including a sound generationdevice according to another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sound generation device according to anotherexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sound output characteristic of a sound generationdevice according to another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate a supporting member and a rear cover accordingto an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8D and 8E illustrate a supporting plate according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a display apparatus according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a display apparatus according to another exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a display apparatus according to another exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a display apparatus according to another exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a wiring of a sound generation device according toan example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14A to 14C illustrate a sound generation device and a partition ina display apparatus according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 15A to 15K illustrate a sound generation device and a partition ina display apparatus according to another example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a sound output characteristic according to anotherexample embodiment of a sound generation device and a partition in adisplay apparatus according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a sound output characteristic according to anotherexample embodiment of a sound generation device and a partition in adisplay apparatus according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 18A to 18F illustrate another example embodiment of a soundgeneration device and a partition in a display apparatus according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 19A to 19F illustrate another example embodiment of a soundgeneration device and a partition in a display apparatus according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwisedescribed, the same drawing reference numerals should be understood torefer to the same elements, features, and structures. The relative sizeand depiction of these elements may be exaggerated for clarity,illustration, and convenience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. In the following description, when a detailed description ofwell-known functions or configurations related to this document isdetermined to unnecessarily cloud a gist of the inventive concept, thedetailed description thereof will be omitted. The progression ofprocessing steps and/or operations described is an example; however, thesequence of steps and/or operations is not limited to that set forthherein and may be changed as is known in the art, with the exception ofsteps and/or operations necessarily occurring in a particular order.Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout. Names of therespective elements used in the following explanations are selected onlyfor convenience of writing the specification and may be thus differentfrom those used in actual products.

Advantages and features of the present disclosure, and implementationmethods thereof will be clarified through following example embodimentsdescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. The presentdisclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should notbe construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosuremay be sufficiently thorough and complete to assist those skilled in theart to fully understand the scope of the present disclosure. Further,the present disclosure is only defined by scopes of claims.

A shape, a size, a ratio, an angle, and a number disclosed in thedrawings for describing embodiments of the present disclosure are merelyan example. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to theillustrated details. Like reference numerals refer to like elementsthroughout. In the following description, when the detailed descriptionof the relevant known function or configuration is determined tounnecessarily obscure an important point of the present disclosure, thedetailed description of such known function or configuration may beomitted. In a case where terms “comprise,” “have,” and “include”described in the present specification are used, another part may beadded unless a more limiting term, such as “only,” is used. The terms ofa singular form may include plural forms unless referred to thecontrary.

In construing an element, the element is construed as including an erroror tolerance range even where no explicit description of such an erroror tolerance range. In describing a position relationship, when aposition relation between two parts is described as, for example, “on,”“over,” “under,” or “next,” one or more other parts may be disposedbetween the two parts unless a more limiting term, such as “just” or“direct(ly),” is used.

In describing a time relationship, when the temporal order is describedas, for example, “after,” “subsequent,” “next,” or “before,” a casewhich is not continuous may be included unless a more limiting term,such as “just,” “immediate(ly),” or “direct(ly),” is used.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first element could be termed asecond element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a firstelement, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In describing elements of the present disclosure, the terms like“first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” and “(b)” may be used. These termsare merely for differentiating one element from another element, and theessence, sequence, order, or number of a corresponding element shouldnot be limited by the terms. Also, when an element or layer is describedas being “connected,” “coupled,” or “adhered” to another element orlayer, the element or layer can not only be directly connected oradhered to that other element or layer, but also be indirectly connectedor adhered to the other element or layer with one or more interveningelements or layers “disposed” between the elements or layers, unlessotherwise specified.

The term “at least one” should be understood as including any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example,the meaning of “at least one of a first item, a second item, and a thirditem” denotes the combination of all items proposed from two or more ofthe first item, the second item, and the third item as well as the firstitem, the second item, or the third item.

In the description of embodiments, when a structure is described asbeing positioned “on or above” or “under or below” another structure,this description should be construed as including a case in which thestructures contact each other as well as a case in which a thirdstructure is disposed therebetween. The size and thickness of eachelement shown in the drawings are given merely for the convenience ofdescription, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not limitedthereto.

Features of various embodiments of the present disclosure may bepartially or overall coupled to or combined with each other, and may bevariously inter-operated with each other and driven technically as thoseskilled in the art can sufficiently understand. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure may be carried out independently from each other, ormay be carried out together in co-dependent relationship.

In the present disclosure, examples of a display apparatus is used toencompass a display apparatus such as an organic light emitting displaymodule (OLED module) or a liquid crystal module (LCM), that includes adisplay panel and a driving unit for driving the display panel. Thedisplay apparatus is used to further encompass a set device (or a setapparatus) or a set electronic apparatus, as a finished product, such asa notebook computer or a laptop computer, a television set, a computermonitor, an equipment apparatus (e.g., display equipment in anautomotive apparatus or another type of vehicle apparatus) or a mobileelectronic apparatus that is a complete product or a final product (forexample, a smartphone or an electronic pad, etc.) that includes the LCMor the OLED module. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the displayapparatus is used display apparatus itself, such as the LCM or the OLEDmodule, and also a set apparatus which is a final consumer apparatus oran application product including the LCM or the OLED module.

In some example embodiments, the LCM or the OLED module including adisplay panel and a driving unit thereof may be referred to as a displayapparatus, and the electronic apparatus as a final product including theLCM or the OLED module may be referred to as a set apparatus. Forexample, the display apparatus may include a display panel, such as anLCD or an OLED, and a source printed circuit board (PCB) as a controllerfor driving the same, the set apparatus may further include a set PCBthat is a set controller set to be electrically connected to the sourcePCB and to control the overall operations of the set apparatus.

A display panel applied to an embodiment may use all types of displaypanels, such as a liquid crystal display panel, an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display panel, and an electroluminescent displaypanel, but is not limited to these specific types. For example, thedisplay panel of the present disclosure may be any panel capable ofbeing vibrated by a sound generation device according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure to output a sound. A shape or a size of a displaypanel applied to a display apparatus according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure is not limited.

For example, if a display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, thedisplay panel may include a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of datalines, and a plurality of pixels respectively provided in a plurality ofpixel areas defined by intersections of the gate lines and the datalines. Also, the display panel may include an array substrate includinga thin film transistor (TFT), which is a switching element for adjustinga light transmittance of each of the plurality of pixels, an uppersubstrate including a color filter and/or a black matrix, and a liquidcrystal layer between the array substrate and the upper substrate.

In addition, if a display panel is an organic light-emitting displaypanel, the display panel may include a plurality of gate lines, aplurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixels respectively providedin a plurality of pixel areas defined by intersections of the gate linesand the data lines. The display panel may include an array substrateincluding a TFT, which is an element for selectively applying a voltageto each of the pixels, an organic light emitting device layer on thearray substrate, and an encapsulation substrate disposed on the arraysubstrate to cover the organic light emitting device layer. Theencapsulation substrate may protect the TFT and the organic lightemitting device layer from an external impact, and may prevent moistureor oxygen from penetrating into the organic light emitting device layer.A layer provided on the array substrate may include an inorganiclight-emitting layer (for example, a nano-sized material layer, aquantum dot, or the like). The display panel may further include abacking such as a metal plate attached to the rear surface of thedisplay panel, but the backing is not limited to the metal plate, andanother structure may be included.

In the present disclosure, the display panel including a soundgeneration device may be implemented at a user interface module in avehicle, such as the central control panel area in an automobile. Forexample, such a display panel may be configured between two front seatoccupants, such that sounds due to a vibration of the display panelpropagate towards the interior of the vehicle. As such, the audioexperience within a vehicle can be improved as compared to havingspeakers at the interior sides or edges of the vehicle.

The inventors have recognized the above-described problems and haveconducted various experiments so that, when watching an image in frontof a display panel, a traveling direction of sound becomes a directiontoward a front portion of the display panel. Thus, sound quality isenhanced. Through the various experiments, the inventors have invented adisplay apparatus having a new structure, which facilitates output ofsound so that a traveling direction of sound becomes a direction towarda front portion of a display panel, thereby enhancing sound quality.

Hereinafter, a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure will be described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates a display apparatus including a sound generationdevice according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 1A, a display apparatus 10 may include a displaypanel 100, which displays an image, and a sound generation device 200that may vibrate the display panel 100 to generate sound. The soundgeneration device 200 may be referred to, for example, as an actuator,an exciter, or a transducer.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1A.

With reference to FIG. 1B, the display apparatus may include the soundgeneration device 200 and a supporting member 300. The supporting member300 may support one or more of a rear surface and a side surface of thedisplay panel 100. Also, the sound generation device 200 may be fixed tothe supporting member 300.

The supporting member 300 may be, for example, a cover bottom.Alternatively, the supporting member 300 may further include a middlecabinet, which may be connected to a cover bottom, may surround the sidesurface of the display panel 100, may accommodate one periphery of thedisplay panel 100, and may support the display panel 100. For example,the middle cabinet may include a “┤”-shaped (or T-shape at a 90-degreeangle) cross-sectional surface. The supporting member 300 may includethe cover bottom, or may include the cover bottom and the middlecabinet, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, thesupporting member 300 may include a structure that may cover the rearsurface or the side surface of the display panel 100. Moreover, thesupporting member 300 may be a plate on the rear surface of the displaypanel 100, or all over the display panel 100.

The supporting member 300 may be referred to as a cover bottom, a platebottom, a back cover, a base frame, a metal frame, a metal chassis, achassis base, or an m-chassis. Therefore, the supporting member 300 maybe a supporter for supporting the display panel 100, and may beimplemented as all types of frames or plate structure on the rearsurface of the display device.

An adhesive member 400 may be in a periphery of each of the displaypanel 100 and the supporting member 300, and may attach the displaypanel 100 to the supporting member 300. The adhesive member 400 mayinclude a double-sided tape, a single-sided tape, an adhesive, a bond,and/or the like, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views illustrating a soundgeneration device according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

The sound generation device may be classified into a first structure inwhich a magnet is disposed outside a coil, and a second structure inwhich a magnet is disposed inside a coil. The first structure may bereferred to as a “dynamic” type or an “external magnetic” type. Thesecond structure may be referred to as a “micro” type or an “internalmagnetic” type. FIG. 2A illustrates the first structure, and FIG. 2Billustrates the second structure.

With reference to FIG. 2A, a sound generation device 200 may include aplurality of plates 210 and 210′, a magnet 220 on a corresponding plate,a center pole 230 on a corresponding plate, a bobbin 250 near the centerpole 230, and a coil 260 wound around the bobbin 250. For example, themagnet 220 may be on a first plate 210, and a second plate 210′ may beon the magnet 220. The first plate 210 and the second plate 210′ maysupport the magnet 220, and may fix the sound generation device 200 to asupporting member 300. Therefore, the first plate 210 may be fixed to asupporting hole provided in the supporting member 300, and the magnet220 (between the first plate 210 and the second plate 210′) may be fixedand supported.

At least one of the first plate 210 and the second plate 210′ may beformed of a material having magnetism, such as iron (Fe), althoughembodiments are not limited thereto. A “plate” is not limited to theterm, and may be expressed by using another term, such as a yoke.

The magnet 220 may be implemented, e.g., with a sintered magnet with amaterial, such as barium ferrite. A material of the magnet 220 mayinclude one or more of: ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), barium carbonate (orwitherite) (BaCO₃), a neodymium (Nd) magnet, strontium ferrite(Fe₁₂O₁₉Sr), e.g., with an improved magnet component, an alloy castmagnet including aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), and thelike. As another example, the neodymium magnet may beneodymium-iron-boron (Nd—Fe—B). However, embodiments are not limitedthese examples.

A frame 240 may be disposed outside the first plate 210 and on thesecond plate 210′. A center pole 230 may be disposed in a center regionof the first plate 210. The center pole 230 and the first plate 210 maybe provided as one body. The center pole 230 may be referred to as “polepieces.” Alternatively, pole pieces may be further disposed on thecenter pole 230.

Moreover, the bobbin 250 may surround the center pole 230. The coil 260may be wound around a lower portion of the bobbin 250, and a current forgenerating sound may be applied to the coil 260.

The bobbin 250 may be a ring-shaped structure that may be formed ofpaper, an aluminum (Al) sheet, and/or the like. The coil 260 may bewound around a particular lower region of the bobbin 250. The genericterm for the bobbin 250 and the coil 260 may be a voice coil.

Moreover, a damper 270 may be between the frame 240 and a portion of anupper side of the bobbin 250. The damper may be expressed using anotherterm, such as an edge.

FIG. 2B illustrates the second structure where a magnet is disposedinside a coil. With reference to FIG. 2B, a sound generation device 200′having the second structure may include a magnet 220 on a first plate210, a center pole 230 on the magnet 220, a bobbin 250 near the magnet220 and the center pole 230, and a coil 260 wound around the bobbin 250.

The first plate 210 may be fixed to a supporting hole provided in asupporting member 300. The magnet 220 may be disposed on the first plate210, and the center pole 230 may be disposed on the magnet 220. Thecenter pole 230 may be referred to as “pole pieces.” Alternatively, polepieces may be further disposed on the center pole 230.

Moreover, the bobbin 250 may surround the magnet 220 and the center pole230. The coil 260 may be wound around the bobbin 250. A second plate210′ may be near the first plate 210, and a frame 240 may be outside thesecond plate 210′. Also, a damper 270 may be between the frame 240 andthe bobbin 250. In the sound generation device having the secondstructure, leakage magnetic flux is relatively small, and a total sizemay be relatively small, in comparison with the first structure where amagnet may be relatively outside a coil.

The bobbin or the voice coil of the sound generation device according toan embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured in a circularshape, an elliptical shape, or an oval shape. An oval shape may includean elliptical shape, an egg-shape, a rectangular shape with roundedcorners, or other non-circular curved shape having a width differentfrom its height, although embodiments are not limited to these examples.If the bobbin or the voice coil is configured in an elliptical shape oran oval shape, a sound having a high-pitched sound band may be improvedin comparison with sound generated using a bobbin of a circular shape,and the occurrence of heat caused by a vibration of the bobbin or thevoice coil may be reduced, thereby enhancing a heat dissipationcharacteristic.

The sound generation device applied to the display apparatus accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the firststructure illustrated in FIG. 2A and the second structure illustrated inFIG. 2B. For example, the display apparatus according to an embodimentof the present disclosure may include another kind of sound generationdevice that may vibrate a display panel to generate sound.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a sound generating operation method of asound generation device with a first structure according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a state in which a current is applied. The centerpole 230 connected to a bottom of the magnet 220 may become a north (N)pole, and the second plate 210′ connected to an upper portion of themagnet 220 may become a south (S) pole. Thus, an external magnetic fieldmay be generated around the coil 260.

In this state, if the current for generating a sound is applied to thecoil 260, an applied magnetic field is formed around the coil 260,whereby a force for upwardly moving the bobbin 250 may be generated bythe applied magnetic field and the external magnetic field. For example,when the current is applied to the coil 260, the magnetic field may begenerated around the coil 260, and the external magnetic field may begenerated by the magnet 220, whereby the entire bobbin 250 may be guidedand may move upward by the center pole 230 according to Fleming'sLeft-Hand Rule for Motors based on the generated magnetic field and theexternal magnetic field generated by the magnet 220.

Accordingly, as one surface of the bobbin 250 may contact a rear surfaceof the display panel 100, the bobbin 250 may vibrate the display panel100 in an upward direction (illustrated as an arrow) according towhether or not the current is applied to the coil 260, and a sound wave(or sound) is generated by the vibration of the display panel 100. Inthis state, when the current stops or a reverse current is applied, asshown in FIG. 3B, a force for downwardly moving the bobbin 250 may begenerated, similar to the principle described with reference to FIG. 3A,and the display panel 100 may vibrate in a downward direction(illustrated as an arrow).

The damper 270 may be between the frame 240 and some portion of an upperside of the bobbin 250. The damper 270 may have a wrinkled structure,e.g., having elasticity, and the damper 270 may control (or dampen) theup-and-down vibration of the bobbin 250 by contraction and relaxationmovements in accordance with the up-and-down movement of the bobbin 250.That is, the damper 270 may be connected to the bobbin 250 and the frame240, and the up-and-down vibration of the bobbin 250 may be controlledby a restoring force of the damper 270. For example, when the bobbin 250vibrates by a certain height or more or vibrates by a certain height orless, the bobbin 250 may be restored to its original position by therestoring force of the damper 270.

Therefore, the display panel 100 may vertically vibrate based on anapplication direction and level of a current applied to the coil 260. Asound wave may be generated by the vibration.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a sound generating operation method of asound generation device with a second structure according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a state in which a current is applied. The secondplate 210′ becomes an S-pole, and the center pole 230 connected to anupper surface of the magnet 220 becomes an N-pole, whereby an externalmagnetic field may be generated between coils 260. The S-pole and theN-pole may be interchanged. If so, the sound generation device maysimilarly operate by changing a winding direction of the coil 260. Inthis state, when a current for generating a sound is applied to the coil260, an applied magnetic field may be generated around the coil 260,whereby a force for upwardly moving the bobbin 250 to an upper side maybe generated by the applied magnetic field and the external magneticfield. For example, when the current is applied to the coil 260, themagnetic field may be generated around the coil 260. Thus, the bobbin250 may be guided by the center pole 230 according to Fleming'sLeft-Hand Rule for Motors based on the generated magnetic field and theexternal magnetic field generated by the magnet 220.

Accordingly, as one surface of the bobbin 250 may contact a rear surfaceof the display panel 100, the bobbin 250 may vibrate the display panel100 in an upward direction (illustrated as an arrow) according towhether or not the current is applied to the coil 260, and a sound wave(or sound) may be generated by the vibration of the display panel 100.In this state, when the application of the current stops or a reversecurrent is applied, as shown in FIG. 4B, a force for moving the bobbin250 to a lower side may be generated according to principles similar tothe above description with reference to FIG. 4A, and the display panel100 may be vibrated in a downward direction (illustrated as an arrow).

The damper 270 may be between the frame 240 and some portion of an upperside of the bobbin 250. The damper 270 may have a wrinkled structure,having elasticity, whereby the damper 270 may control the up-and-downvibration of the bobbin 250 by contraction and relaxation movements inaccordance with the up-and-down movement of the bobbin 250. That is, thedamper 270 may be connected to the bobbin 250 and the frame 240, and theup-and-down vibration of the bobbin 250 may be controlled (or dampened)by a restoring force of the damper 270. For example, when the bobbin 250vibrates by a particular height or more, or vibrates by a particularheight or less, the bobbin 250 may be restored to an original positionby the restoring force of the damper 270. Accordingly, the display panel100 may be vibrated in the up-and-down direction in accordance with thedirection and level of the current applied to the coil 260, to therebygenerate a sound wave by the vibration.

FIG. 5A illustrates a display apparatus including a sound generationdevice according to another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ ofFIG. 5A.

With reference to FIG. 5A, a display apparatus may include a displaypanel 100 that may display an image, and first and second soundgeneration devices 1200 and 1200′ that may vibrate the display panel 100to generate sound. The first sound generation device 1200 and the secondsound generation device 1200′ may be adjacent to each other. If theplurality of sound generation devices are provided and spaced apart fromone another, it may be difficult to maintain a contact characteristicbetween the sound generation devices and the display panel, which maycause deterioration of sound quality by interference and delayphenomenon of the sound wave generated in the plurality of soundgeneration devices. Thus, in comparison to a structure in which theplurality of sound generation devices are spaced apart from each other,a structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure inwhich sound generation devices are adjacent to each other may reduceinterference or delay phenomenon of the sound wave generated in thesound generation devices, to thereby improve the sound outputcharacteristic. This will be described below with reference to FIG. 7.

The first structure or the second structure described above withreference to FIGS. 2A and 2B may be applied to a structure of each ofthe first sound generation device 1200 and the second sound generationdevice 1200′. The bobbin or the voice coil of the sound generationdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may beconfigured in a circular shape or an oval shape. If the bobbin or thevoice coil is configured in an oval shape, a sound having a high-pitchedsound band may be improved in comparison with a circular shape, and theoccurrence of heat caused by a vibration of the bobbin or the voice coilmay be reduced, thereby enhancing a heat dissipation characteristic.

For example, the display apparatus may include a fixing device 1000 forfixing the first sound generation device 1200 and the second soundgeneration device 1200′. The fixing device 1000 may include a moldstructure manufactured by a molding process, e.g., using a plasticmaterial, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The fixing device1000 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

With reference to FIG. 5B, a display apparatus may include a first soundgeneration device 1200, a second sound generation device 1200′, and asupporting member 300. The supporting member 300 may support one or moreof a rear surface and a side surface of a display panel 100. Thesupporting member 300 may be a plate member, e.g., a metal or plasticmaterial, over a rear surface of the display panel 100, around, or on anentire surface of the display panel 100.

The sound generation devices 1200 and 1200′ may be accommodated in asupporting hole 310 of the supporting member 300. If the soundgeneration devices 1200 and 1200′ is inserted into and fixed to thesupporting hole 310, it is possible to decrease or reduce a height ofthe sound generation devices 1200 and 1200′ between the rear surface ofthe display panel 100 and an inner surface of the supporting member 300,to thereby realize a relatively small space or region for generating thesound.

For example, the display apparatus may include a nut 330 fixed to thesupporting member 300. The fixing device 1000 may be fixed to the nut330 by a screw 320 inserted into a mounting hole of the fixing device1000. For example, a screw-through hole may be provided in an innersurface of the nut 330. Thus, after a mounting hole of the fixing device1000 is aligned with the screw-through hole of the nut 330, the fixingdevice 1000 may be fixed to the supporting member 300 by fastening (ortightening) the screw 320.

In one example, the nut 330 may be a self-clinching nut. An example ofthe self-clinching nut may be a PEM® nut, although embodiments are notlimited thereto. If the self-clinching nut is used, some of a vibrationgenerated in the first sound generation device 1200 and the second soundgeneration device 1200′ may be absorbed by the self-clinching nut. Thus,a vibration transferred to the supporting member 300 may be reduced.

In the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the supporting member and the sound generation device may befixed to each other by the use of nut and screw included in thesupporting member. Thus, a thickness of the display panel 100 can bereduced.

An adhesive member 400 may be in a periphery of each of the displaypanel 100 and the supporting member 300, and may attach the displaypanel 100 to the supporting member 300. The adhesive member 400 mayinclude a double-sided tape, a single-sided tape, an adhesive, a bond,and/or the like, although embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sound generation device according to anotherexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 6, the fixing device 1000 of the sound generationdevice may be an integrated fixing device for supporting and fixing thefirst sound generation device 1200 and a second generation device 1200′to be adjacent to each other. Therefore, the first sound generationdevice 1200 and the second generation device 1200′ fixed by the fixingdevice 1000 may be referred to as a pair of sound generation devices,and hereinafter, will be described as a pair of sound generationdevices.

The fixing device 1000 of the sound generation device may include asupporting part that may support the sound generation devices 1200 and1200′, a plurality of rib parts near the sound generation devices 1200and 1200′, and a plurality of mounting holes for fixing the fixingdevice 1000 to the supporting member 300. For example, the supportingpart may include a first supporting part 1120 for supporting the firstsound generation device 1200 and a second supporting part 1220 forsupporting the second generation device 1200′. The first supporting part1120 may be a structure for supporting a portion of each of a sidesurface and a rear surface of the first sound generation device 1200,and may have a cylindrical shape, and the second supporting part 1220may be a structure for supporting a portion of each of a side surfaceand a rear surface of the second generation device 1200′, and may have acylindrical shape.

Each of the first supporting part 1120 and the second supporting part1220 may further include two or four arc-shaped protrusions. One surfaceof each of the protrusions may be bent toward an inner side of each ofthe first and second sound generation devices 1200 and 1200′, and maysupport a portion of a rear surface of each of the first and secondsound generation devices 1200 and 1200′, thereby reducing or preventingthe first and second sound generation devices 1200 and 1200′ fromdeviating to the outside of the fixing device 1000 of the soundgeneration device.

A plurality of rib parts may be near the first supporting part 1120 andthe second supporting part 1220 for maintaining a rigidity of the fixingdevice 1000 of the sound generation device and preventing the fixingdevice 1000 of the sound generation device from being deformed even whenbeing used for a long time. For example, the rib parts may include afirst rib part 1410 extending in a widthwise direction from an outerportion of each of the first and second supporting parts 1120 and 1220,a second rib part 1420 connecting the first supporting part 1120 to thesecond supporting part 1220 in the widthwise direction, and a third ribpart 1430 connected to the first rib part 1410 in a lengthwisedirection. Here, the widthwise direction may be a direction toward along side on which two sound generation devices are disposed, and thelengthwise direction may be a direction vertical or perpendicular to thewidthwise direction. The first rib part 1410 may long extend in avertical direction from the outer portion of each of the first andsecond supporting parts 1120 and 1220 to form a widthwise-directionouter structure of the fixing device 1000 of the sound generationdevice.

In a center region (e.g., a center region between the first supportingpart 1120 and the second supporting part 1220) of the first rib part1410, the first rib part 1410 may be provided greater in height andthickness than both side areas of the first rib part 1410. Therefore,even when a pair of sound generation devices vibrates for a long time, afixing device of the pair of sound generation devices may not bedeformed, and a change in the relative position between the pair ofsound generation devices and the display panel may be reduced.

One or more second rib parts 1420, where the first supporting part 1120and the second supporting part 1220 are located, may be connected toeach other as one body. The one or more second rib parts 1420 may bedisposed inside the first rib part 1410. In the FIG. 6 example, two ofthe second rib parts 1420 are illustrated as being provided, butembodiments are not limited to this configuration. For example, one,three, or more of the second rib part 1420 may be provided.

One or more third rib parts 1430, connected to the first and second ribparts 1410 and 1420 as one body and extend in the widthwise direction,may be provided between two second rib parts 1420 or between two firstrib parts 1410. In the FIG. 6 example, a structure in which one thirdrib part 1430 is provided and extends a long distance or in a lengthwisedirection between two first rib parts 1410 is illustrated. However,embodiments are not limited to this configuration. For example, thethird rib part 1430 may extend a shorter distance between two of thesecond rib parts 1420.

One or more fourth rib parts 1440, obliquely extending between the firstsupporting part 1120 or the second supporting part 1220 and the firstrib part 1410, may be further provided. The fourth rib part 1440 mayreduce or prevent the bending deformation of the fixing device 1000 ofthe sound generation device caused by long-time driving of the soundgeneration device. Therefore, because the display apparatus according toan example embodiment of the present disclosure includes the fixingdevice fixing the pair of sound generation devices and the plurality ofrib parts near the sound generation devices, the rigidity of the soundgeneration devices is maintained, and a sound characteristic changecaused by a long-time operation is reduced.

Moreover, a separation distance between the first supporting part 1120and the second supporting part 1220 may be greater than a minimumthreshold value that may enable formation of the rib part, and may besmaller than a maximum threshold value corresponding to a diameter ofeach of the first sound generation device 1200 and the second soundgeneration device 1200′. If the separation distance between the firstsupporting part 1120 and the second supporting part 1220 is equal to orgreater than the minimum threshold value, the degradation in soundquality may be reduced. Therefore, the separation distance between thefirst supporting part 1120 and the second supporting part 1220 may besmaller than the diameter of each of the first sound generation device1200 and the second sound generation device 1200′. Thus, the degradationin sound quality may be reduced or prevented. For example, if a size (ora diameter) of the sound generation device is “D,” the distance betweenthe first supporting part 1120 and the second supporting part 1220 maybe a value larger than, e.g., about 7 mm, corresponding to an exampleminimum threshold value. In one example, the change in sound qualitycharacteristic is not greater in an example in which the size D of thesound generation device is, e.g., about 28 mm, than an example in whichthe size D of the sound generation device is about 0.85*D (e.g., about23.6 mm).

A plurality of mounting holes for fixing the fixing device 1000 to thesupporting member 300 may be provided. When the hole is provided in theinner surface of the nut 330 illustrated in FIG. 5B, a plurality ofmounting holes 1310, 1320, 1330, and 1340 of the fixing device 1000 maybe aligned with the hole of the nut 330. Then, by fastening the screw320, the fixing device 1000 may be fixed to the supporting member 300.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sound output characteristic of a sound generationdevice according to another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

In FIG. 7, the abscissa axis (x-axis) represents a frequency in hertz(Hz), and the ordinate axis (y-axis) represents a sound pressure levelin decibels (dB). A sound output characteristic may be measured by asound analysis apparatus. The sound analysis apparatus may include asound card for transmitting sound to or receiving sound from a controlpersonal computer (PC), an amplifier for amplifying a signal generatedfrom the sound card and transfers the amplified signal to a soundgeneration device, and a microphone for collecting a sound generated bythe sound generation device in a display panel. The sound collectedthrough the microphone may be input to the control PC through the soundcard, and a control program may check the input sound to analyze thesound of the sound generation device.

In FIG. 7, a dotted line represents a case in which two sound generationdevices spaced apart from each other are provided and fixedindividually. Based on experimental results, it can be seen that a peakoccurs where a sound pressure level rapidly increases in a frequencyband of 800 Hz to 900 Hz (shown in a circle). In the peak, a strongsound pressure level is generated in a specific frequency due to delayor interference between sound waves generated by the two soundgeneration devices that are spaced apart from each other and areindividually fixed. Therefore, it is recognized that sound quality iswholly degraded.

Moreover, in FIG. 7, a solid line represents a case in which a fixingdevice 1000 which fixes a pair of sound generation devices as one bodyis used as in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Based onexperimental results, it can be seen that the peak, where a soundpressure level abnormally increases in a certain frequency, isconsiderably reduced in comparison with the dotted line case. Therefore,if a pair of sound generation devices according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure is applied, it can be seen that a uniform soundpressure level is generated in a whole frequency band. Thus, a goodsound output characteristic may be realized.

Moreover, a wiring for supplying a signal to a sound generation devicemay be desired for vibrating the sound generation device. The wiring maybe exposed at a supporting member, and may be fixed by a tape and/or thelike. Therefore, the inventors have recognized that, because the wiringmay be exposed at the supporting member, it may be difficult to providea good external aesthetic or a good design. Also, the inventors haverecognized that, because the sound generation device may be exposed atthe supporting member, it may be difficult to provide a good externalaesthetic.

Therefore, the inventors have performed various experiments forimplementing a hidden exciter (e.g., sound generation device) and wirestructure in which the sound generation device and the wiring arecovered by a rear surface. Details of the various experiments will bedescribed below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. Hereinafter, thedetails of the various experiments will be described with reference to afirst supporting member 301, a first sound generation device 1800′, asecond sound generation device 1800″, a supporting plate 410, a drivingcircuit unit 810, and a rear cover 303 by way of example, althoughembodiments are not limited thereto.

A wiring for supplying a signal to the first sound generation device1800′ and the second sound generation device 1800″ may be between thesupporting plate 410 and each of the first sound generation device 1800′and the second sound generation device 1800″. For example, thesupporting plate 410 may be on the first supporting member 301 without astep height, but a step height may occur between the first supportingmember 301 and the supporting plate 410 due to the wiring. Also, anadditional structure for hiding the wiring may be provided. Therefore,the inventors have recognized that the wiring may extend downward alongan outer portion of the supporting plate 410 for a step height to notoccur in the first supporting member 301. In this case, the inventorshave recognized that it may be difficult to provide a good externalaesthetic, and the number of manufacturing steps may increase due to theadditional structure.

Moreover, a sound generation device and a wiring may be under a rearcover. For example, a supporting plate may be on a first supportingmember. For example, the supporting plate and the sound generationdevice may be disposed in an order from an upper portion to a lowerportion of a rear surface of the first supporting member. Also, thesound generation device and the wiring may be under the rear cover. Whenthe supporting plate and the rear cover are on the rear surface of thefirst supporting member, an area in which the supporting plate and therear cover are not disposed, of the rear surface of the first supportingmember, may be reduced. Accordingly, because the area in which thesupporting plate and the rear cover are not disposed may be reduced, theinventors have recognized that it may be difficult to realize a designhaving a sense of beauty or a good design in an external appearance.

Moreover, a sound generation device may be under a supporting plate. Forexample, because all of a wiring and the sound generation device may behidden, the inventors have recognized that there is a problem in which athickness or height of the supporting plate increases.

Therefore, the inventors have recognized that a design in which a soundgeneration device and a wiring exposed at a supporting member are hiddenmay be desirable for enhancing a sense of beauty in an externalappearance. Also, the inventors have recognized that it is desirable todevelop a design in which a wiring and a sound generation device aredisposed without affecting a thickness or disposition of a supportingplate.

Therefore, the inventors have invented a display apparatus including anew sound generation device, in which a wiring and a sound generationdevice are on a rear surface of a supporting member without affecting athickness or disposition of a supporting plate, and thus, a sense ofbeauty is not reduced. The invented display apparatus, including the newsound generation device, will be described below with reference to FIGS.8A to 8C.

FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate a supporting member and a rear cover accordingto an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 8D and 8Eillustrate a supporting plate according to an example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a rear surface of a supporting memberaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 8Band 8C are diagrams illustrating a rear surface of a supporting memberand a rear cover according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

In FIGS. 8A to 8C, a pair of sound generation devices will be describedas an example. The descriptions of the pair of sound generation devicesmay be substantially similarly applied to the single sound generationdevice of the FIG. 10 example, or to the two sound generation devices ofthe FIG. 11 example. Also, in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the structure of FIG. 2Bwill be described for example, but embodiments are not limited thereto.For example, the structure of FIG. 2A may be substantially similarlyapplied. FIGS. 8D and 8E are diagrams illustrating a hole in asupporting plate.

With reference to FIG. 8A, a first sound generation device 1800′ and asecond sound generation device 1800″ may be in a first supporting member301. A wiring W for supplying a signal may be in each of the first soundgeneration device 1800′ and the second sound generation device 1800″ forvibrating the first sound generation device 1800′ and the second soundgeneration device 1800″. The wiring W may be supplied with the signalfrom a driving circuit unit 810, and thus, may be connected to thedriving circuit unit 810.

The first sound generation device 1800′ and the second sound generationdevice 1800″ may be respectively in a left region and a right region ofthe first supporting member 301. It should be appreciated that “left”and “right” are interchangeable, as would be understood to one ofordinary skill in the art. The first supporting member 301 may be thesupporting member described above with reference to the examples ofFIGS. 1 to 6. The first supporting member 301 may be referred to as aback cover.

A supporting plate 410 may be on a rear surface of the first supportingmember 301. The supporting plate 410 may provide rigidity to a displaypanel, and may reduce or prevent twisting or bending of the displaypanel. The supporting plate 410 may be in a circle shape or a polygonalshape, such as a tetragonal shape (e.g., a square or rectangle) or thelike, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The supporting plate 410may be referred to as a “rigid plate.”

The driving circuit unit 810 or a main board including at least oneprinted circuit board (PCB) may be disposed in a lower portion of thefirst supporting member 301. The driving circuit unit 810 may provide aninterface that may enable a display panel to operate.

The at least one PCB may be a power supply. The power supply may supplypower to the display panel. For example, the power supply may convert analternating current (AC) frequency into a direct current (DC) frequency.

The at least one PCB may be a timing controller board. The timingcontroller board may transfer an input signal to the display panel. Forexample, the timing controller board may transfer, to a source PCB,timing signals for controlling the source PCB and a video signal. Also,the timing controller board may control an image. The timing controllerboard may be connected to the source PCB by using one of a flat flexcable (FFC), a circular cable, and wireless transmission. For example,the timing controller board may include a controller for controllingoperations of a data driver and a gate driver and a power managementintegrated circuit (IC) (PMIC) that may supply various voltages orcurrents to the display panel, the data driver, and the gate driver andcontrols the various voltages or currents which are to be supplied.

The data driver may supply data voltages to a plurality of data lines todrive the plurality of data lines. The data driver may be referred to asa “source driver.” The data driver may include at least one sourcedriver IC, and may drive the plurality of data lines.

The source driver IC may be connected to a pad of the display panel in atape automated bonding (TAB) type or a chip-on-glass (COG) type, or maybe directly provided in the display panel. In some examples, the sourcedriver IC may be integrated and provided in the display panel.Alternatively, the source driver IC may be implemented as achip-on-plastic (COP) type or a chip-on-film (COF) type, which may bemounted on a film connected to the display panel.

The gate driver may supply a gate voltage to a plurality of gate linesto drive the plurality of gate lines. The gate driver may be referred toas a “scan driver.” The gate driver may include at least one gate driverIC, and may drive the plurality of gate lines.

The at least one source driver IC may be mounted on the source PCB, orthe source PCB may be connected to a COF on which the at least onesource driver IC may be mounted. The source PCB may be connected to thedisplay panel and the COF, and may be disposed on a lower rear surfaceof the display panel.

The wiring W, for applying the signal to the first sound generationdevice 1800′ and the second sound generation device 1800″, may transferthe signal through a step height in each of the first sound generationdevice 1800′ and the second sound generation device 1800″. The wiring W,through which the signal may be applied, may extend to the firstsupporting member 301 through a hole H provided in the supporting plate410. Also, the wiring W extending to the first supporting member 301 maybe connected to the driving circuit unit 810.

The hole H of the supporting plate 410, as illustrated in FIG. 8D, maybe in an upper surface of the supporting plate 410. As illustrated inFIG. 8E, the hole H of the supporting plate 410 may be on a side surfaceof the supporting plate 410. If the hole H is in the side surface of thesupporting plate 410, a step height between the first supporting member301 and the supporting plate 410, caused by the wiring W extending tothe hole H, may be reduced. The number of holes may be set based on thenumber of sound generation devices, and the number of the holes does notlimit details of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Therefore, the first sound generation device 1800′, the second soundgeneration device 1800″, and the wiring W may be hidden by thesupporting plate 410. Thus, a portion of each of the first and secondsound generation devices 1800′ and 1800″ and the wiring W seen at thefirst supporting member 310 may be hidden. Therefore, a hole may be in asupporting plate, and a wiring for applying a signal to a soundgeneration device may extend through the hole, whereby a portion of thewiring hidden by the supporting plate may correspond to a width of thesound generation device. Accordingly, a problem in which a thickness orheight of the supporting plate increases may be solved. Therefore, ifthe sound generation device and the wiring extending to the soundgeneration device are hidden by the supporting plate, the problem of thethickness or height of the supporting plate increasing may be solved. Anarea, in which the supporting plate and a rear cover are not disposed,of a rear surface of the supporting member may be maintained, therebyproviding a display apparatus having a sense of beauty in an externalappearance.

With reference to FIG. 8B, the wiring W extending through the hole H maybe connected to the driving circuit unit 810. The driving circuit unit810 and the wiring W connected to the driving circuit unit 810 may behidden by a rear cover 303. When the wiring W extending through the holeH and the driving circuit unit 810 are hidden by the rear cover 303, asense of beauty in external appearance may be enhanced, despite thewiring W extending to a rear surface of the first supporting member 301.The wiring W extending through the hole H of the supporting plate 410may be hidden by the rear cover 303, thereby solving a problem if anadditional structure for hiding the wiring W being when the wiring W isdisposed along an outer side of the supporting plate 410,

Therefore, the first sound generation device 1800′, the second soundgeneration device 1800″, the wiring W, and a portion of the wiring Wextending through the hole H may be covered by the supporting plate 410and the rear cover 303. Thus, the wiring W and a sound generation devicemay not be exposed at a rear surface of a supporting member, therebyproviding a display apparatus with an enhanced sense of beauty.Accordingly, the hidden exciter and wire structure may be implemented,thereby providing a display apparatus having a clean-looking design.

Moreover, embodiments are not limited to the example of FIG. 8B. Forexample, the supporting plate 410 may be hidden by the rear cover 303.With reference to FIG. 8C, the supporting plate 410, covering the firstand second sound generation devices 1800′ and 1800″ and the wiring W anda portion of the wiring W extending through the hole H, may be coveredby the rear cover 303. The driving circuit unit 810 and the wiring Wconnected to the driving circuit unit 810 may be covered by the rearcover 303. Therefore, when a sound generation device, a wiring, asupporting plate, and a portion of the wiring extending through a holeare covered by a rear cover, the hidden exciter and wire structure maybe implemented, thereby providing a display apparatus having aclean-looking design. Because various circuit boards, in addition to thedriving circuit unit, may be disposed on a rear surface of a supportingmember, it may be difficult to dispose a sound generation device.Therefore, when a hole is in the supporting plate and a portion of thewiring extending to the rear surface of the supporting member throughthe hole are covered by the rear cover, a width of each of the soundgeneration device and a portion of the wiring hidden by the supportingplate may be reduced, thereby solving a problem in which a thickness orheight of the supporting plate increases. Accordingly, the thickness orheight of the supporting plate may not increase, thereby solving aproblem in which disposition of a sound generation device may beaffected when the sound generation device is disposed under a rearcover. Therefore, a problem may be solved in which it may be difficultto realize a sense of beauty due to a limitation of the thickness orheight of the supporting plate or disposition of the sound generationdevice.

Therefore, the first sound generation device 1800′, the second soundgeneration device 1800″, the wiring W, and a portion of the wiring Wextending through the hole H may be covered by the supporting plate 410and the rear cover 303. Thus, the wiring W and a sound generation devicemay not be exposed at the rear surface of the supporting member, therebyproviding a display apparatus with an enhanced sense of beauty.Accordingly, the hidden exciter and wire structure may be implemented,thereby providing a display apparatus having a clean-looking design.

Descriptions of the first sound generation device 1800′ and the secondsound generation device 1800″ are substantially similar to descriptionsgiven above with reference to the examples of FIGS. 5A to 7. Thus,duplicate descriptions are omitted.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a bobbin or avoice coil of a sound generation device may be configured in a circularshape or an oval shape. If the bobbin or the voice coil is configured inan oval shape, a sound having a high-pitched sound band is improved incomparison with a circular shape, and the occurrence of heat caused by avibration of the bobbin or the voice coil may be reduced, therebyenhancing a heat dissipation characteristic.

Moreover, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, asound generation device including two sound generation devices may beprovided, and a signal or a current applied to the sound generationdevice may be divided into two signals or two currents, thereby reducingthe occurrence of heat caused by a vibration of the sound generationdevice. Therefore, the occurrence of heat may be reduced, and thus,reliability may be enhanced. Also, when the sound generation deviceincluding the two sound generation devices is provided, a sound outputcharacteristic may be doubly improved, thereby enhancing a soundpressure. Also, the sound generation device including the two soundgeneration devices may be provided in at least two of a first region, asecond region, and a third region. Thus, two sub-sound generationdevices corresponding to each of the first to third regions may outputsounds having the same sound band, thereby increasing a sound pressurelevel. Moreover, when the sound generation device including the twosound generation devices is provided, a size of the sound generationdevice may be reduced in comparison with a pair of sound generationdevices, thereby providing a display apparatus including a slimmer soundgeneration device.

FIG. 9 illustrates a display apparatus according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 9, an example in which the display apparatus includes the firstsound generation device of the FIG. 8A example will be described forconvenience of explanation. FIG. 9 illustrates a pair of soundgeneration devices as an example, but embodiments are not limitedthereto. For example, a display apparatus including a sound generationdevice illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 14A to 19F may be applied.

With reference to FIG. 9, a pair of first sound generation devices 1800′may include a 1-1^(st) sound generation device 1800′-1 and a 1-2^(nd)sound generation device 1800′-2. The 1-1^(st) sound generation device1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1800′-2 may eachinclude a magnet 620 on a first plate 610, a center pole 630 on themagnet 620, a bobbin 650 near the magnet 620 and the center pole 630,and a coil 660 wound around the bobbin 650. A second plate 610′ may benear the first plate 610, and a frame 640 may be outside the secondplate 610′. A damper 670 may be between the frame 640 and the bobbin650. A description of each of the pair of first sound generation devices1800′ is substantially similar to the description given above withreference to the FIG. 2B example, and thus, is not repeated. In FIG. 9,the second structure of the FIG. 2B example is illustrated, but thefirst structure of the FIG. 2A example may also be similarly applied.

The 1-1^(st) sound generation device 1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd) soundgeneration device 1800′-2 may be fixed by a fixing device 1000. Adescription of the fixing device 1000 is the substantially similar tothe description given above with reference to the FIG. 6 example, andthus, is not repeated.

A supporting plate 410 may be under the 1-1^(st) sound generation device1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1800′-2. A hole H maybe provided, through which a wiring W for applying a signal to the1-1^(st) sound generation device 1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd) soundgeneration device 1800′-2 may extend.

A diameter enlargement part 614 may be provided as one body with thefirst plate 610 of each of the 1-1^(st) sound generation device 1800′-1and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1800′-2. The first plate 610 ofeach of the 1-1^(st) sound generation device 1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd)sound generation device 1800′-2 may have a cylindrical shape, and aprotrusion may be provided on one side of the first plate 610. Forexample, the protrusion may be greater than a diameter of the otherportion of the first plate 610. A protrusion region having an enlargeddiameter may be referred to as a diameter enlargement part 614. Thediameter enlargement part 614 may be provided in a ring shape. Anextension part 612 for fixing the 1-1^(st) sound generation device1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1800′-2 may be providedin a portion of the diameter enlargement part 614.

A terminal 617, connected to the wiring W for applying the signal to the1-1^(st) sound generation device 1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd) soundgeneration device 1800′-2, may be provided in the extension part 612.The extension part 612 may extend from the first plate 610 and may beformed through an injection molding process.

A screw 320 and a nut 330 may be provided in the extension part 612. Thenut 330 may be, for example, a self-clinching nut. An example of theself-clinching nut may include a PEM® nut. The 1-1^(st) sound generationdevice 1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1800′-2 may befixed to a first supporting member 301 by the nut 330 and the screw 320.

An adhesive member 400 may be provided for attaching the display panel100 on the first sound generation device 1800′. The adhesive member 400may include, for example, a double-sided tape, a single-sided tape, anadhesive, a bond, and/or the like, but embodiments are not limitedthereto. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the adhesive member 400 may be in aportion in which each of the 1-1^(st) sound generation device 1800′-1and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1800′-2 is attached to thedisplay panel 100, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example,the adhesive member 400 may be on a whole rear surface of the displaypanel 100. For example, the adhesive member 400 may be on a wholesurface between the display panel 100 and each of the 1-1^(st) soundgeneration device 1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device1800′-2.

FIG. 10 illustrates a display apparatus according to another exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates one sound generation device as an example, butembodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a display apparatusincluding a sound generation device illustrated in the examples of FIGS.14A to 19F may be similarly applied.

With reference to FIG. 10, a sound generation device 1600 may include amagnet 620 on a first plate 610, a center pole 630 on the magnet 620, abobbin 650 near the magnet 620 and the center pole 630, and a coil 660wound around the bobbin 650. A second plate 610′ may be near the firstplate 610, and a frame 640 may be outside the second plate 610′. Adamper 670 may be between the frame 640 and the bobbin 650. Adescription of the sound generation device 1600 is substantially similarto the description given above with reference to the examples of FIGS.2A and 2B, and thus, is not repeated. In FIG. 10, the second structureof the FIG. 2B example is illustrated, and the first structure of theFIG. 2A example may be similarly applied.

A supporting plate 410 may be under the sound generation device 1600. Ahole H may be provided, through which a wiring W for applying a signalto the sound generation device 1600 may extend.

A diameter enlargement part 614 may be provided as one body with thefirst plate 610 of the sound generation device 1600. The first plate 610of the sound generation device 1600 may have a cylindrical shape, and aprotrusion may be on one side of the first plate 610. For example, theprotrusion may be greater than a diameter of the other portion of thefirst plate 610. A protrusion region having an enlarged diameter may bereferred to as a diameter enlargement part 614. The diameter enlargementpart 614 may be provided in a ring shape. An extension part 612 forfixing the sound generation device 1600 may be provided in a portion ofthe diameter enlargement part 614.

A terminal 617, connected to the wiring W for applying the signal to thesound generation device 1600, may be provided in the extension part 612.The extension part 612 may extend from the first plate 610, and may beformed through an injection molding process.

A screw 320 and a nut 330 may be provided in the extension part 612. Thenut 330 may be, for example, a self-clinching nut. An example of theself-clinching nut may include a PEM® nut. The sound generation device1600 may be fixed to a first supporting member 301 by the nut 330 andthe screw 320.

If the self-clinching nut is used for connected the first supportingmember 301 to the sound generation device 1600, some of a vibrationgenerated by the sound generation device 1600 may be absorbed by theself-clinching nut. Thus, a vibration transferred to the firstsupporting member 301 may be reduced. When the first supporting member301 is directly connected to the sound generation device 1600 withoutthe self-clinching nut, a vibration occurring when the sound generationdevice 1600 operates may be transferred to the first supporting member301 for a long time. Thus, if the first supporting member 301 is thinlyprovided, the first supporting member 301 may be bent or deformed. Also,when the first supporting member 301 is thin, when the sound generationdevice 1600 is directly connected to the screw 320 of the firstsupporting member 301, a fixing force between the first supportingmember 301 and the sound generation device 1600 may not be sufficient.

Therefore, when a nut is provided for fixing a sound generation deviceto a supporting member, a thickness of the supporting member may bethickened for reducing of preventing the bending or deformation of thesupporting member, and for enhancing a fixing force between thesupporting member and the sound generation device. When the thickness ofthe supporting member is thickened, a thickness of a display apparatusmay be thickened. Also, if the supporting member is formed of glass orstainless steel, e.g., for improving an external design of the displaydevice, a nut may not be able to be inserted into the supporting member.

Therefore, a second supporting member 302 may be further provided on thefirst supporting member 301 for the nut 330 to be inserted into thefirst supporting member 301. The second supporting member 302 may becloser to the display panel 100 than the first supporting member 301.

Moreover, the second supporting member 302 may be formed of a metalmaterial, and the nut 330 may be inserted into the second supportingmember 302. The sound generation device 1600 may be connected to thefirst supporting member 301 and the second supporting member 302 by thescrew 320 by using the nut 330 fixed to the first supporting member 301.Also, the first supporting member 301 and the second supporting member302 may be fixed by an adhesive member. The adhesive member may includea double-sided tape, a single-sided tape, an adhesive, a bond, and/orthe like, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The second supportingmember 302 may include, for example, aluminum (Al), which is a metalmaterial, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Moreover, the secondsupporting member 302 may be referred to as an inner plate.

The first supporting member 301 may be formed of, e.g., glass, stainlesssteel, and/or the like. Thus, an aesthetic design appearance of adisplay apparatus may be improved. The second supporting member 302 maybe further provided. Thus, the sound generation device 1600 may becloser to a front surface of the display panel 100 by a distancecorresponding to a thickness of the first supporting member 301, therebyreducing a thickness of the display device. Therefore, the secondsupporting member 302 may be further provided. Thus, the soundgeneration device may be thinner, thereby reducing the thickness of thedisplay device. When the second supporting member 302 is furtherprovided, the thickness of the display apparatus may be reduced, therebysolving a problem in which a thickness or height of a supporting platecovering the sound generation device increases. Accordingly, the soundgeneration device and a wiring may be under the supporting plate,thereby providing a display apparatus having a sense of beauty inexternal appearance. The second supporting member 302 may be similarlyapplied to the sound generation device of the example of FIG. 9.

An adhesive member 400 for attaching the sound generation device 1600 tothe display panel 100 may be provided. The adhesive member 400 mayinclude a double-sided tape, a single-sided tape, an adhesive, a bond,and/or the like, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Also, as inthe FIG. 10 example, the adhesive member 400 may be in a portion inwhich the sound generation device 1600 is attached to the display panel100, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The adhesive member 400may be on a whole rear surface of the display panel 100. For example,the adhesive member 400 may be on a whole surface between the displaypanel 100 and the sound generation device 1600.

FIG. 11 illustrates a display apparatus according to another exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates two sound generation devices as an example, butembodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a display apparatusincluding a sound generation device illustrated in the examples of FIGS.14A to 19F may be applied. The two sound generation devices may bedisposed adjacent to each other.

With reference to FIG. 11, a 1-1^(st) sound generation device 1600-1 anda 1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1600-2, which may configure a soundgeneration device 1600, may each include a magnet 620 on a first plate610, a center pole 630 on the magnet 620, a bobbin 650 near the magnet620 and the center pole 630, and a coil 660 wound around the bobbin 650.A second plate 610′ may be near the first plate 610, and a frame 640 maybe outside the second plate 610′. A damper 670 may be between the frame640 and the bobbin 650. A description of the sound generation device1600 is substantially similar to the description given above withreference to FIG. 2, and thus, is not repeated.

In FIG. 11, the second structure of the FIG. 2B example is illustrated,but the first structure of the FIG. 2A example may also be similarlyapplied.

A supporting plate 410 may be under the sound generation device 1600. Ahole H may be provided, through which a wiring W for applying a signalto the sound generation device 1600 may extend.

A diameter enlargement part 614 may be provided as one body with thefirst plate 610 of each of the 1-1^(st) sound generation device 1600-1and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1600-2. The first plate 610 ofthe sound generation device 1600 may have a cylindrical shape, and aprotrusion may be on one side of the first plate 610. For example, theprotrusion may be greater than a diameter of the other portion of thefirst plate 610. A protrusion region having an enlarged diameter may bereferred to as a diameter enlargement part 614. The diameter enlargementpart 614 may be in a ring shape. An extension part 612 for fixing the1-1^(st) sound generation device 1600-1 and the 1-2^(nd) soundgeneration device 1600-2 may be provided in a portion of the diameterenlargement part 614.

A terminal 617, connected to the wiring W for applying the signal to thesound generation device 1600, may be in the extension part 612. Theextension part 612 may extend from the first plate 610, and may beformed through an injection molding process.

A screw 320 and a nut 330 may be provided in the extension part 612. Thenut 330 may be, for example, a self-clinching nut. An example of theself-clinching nut may include a PEM® nut. The 1-1^(st) sound generationdevice 1600-1 and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1600-2 may befixed to a first supporting member 301 by the nut 330 and the screw 320.

A second supporting member 302 may be on the first supporting member301. A description of the second supporting member 302 is substantiallysimilar to the description given above with reference to the example ofFIG. 10, and thus, is not repeated.

An adhesive member 400 for attaching the sound generation device 1600 tothe display panel 100 may be provided. The adhesive member 400 mayinclude a double-sided tape, a single-sided tape, an adhesive, a bond,and/or the like, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Also, asillustrated in FIG. 11, the adhesive member 400 may be in a portion inwhich the sound generation device 1600 is attached to the display panel100, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The adhesive member 400may be on a whole rear surface of the display panel 100. For example,the adhesive member 400 may be on a whole surface between the displaypanel 100 and the sound generation device 1600.

FIG. 12 illustrates a display apparatus according to another exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a pair of sound generation devices as an example,and may be similarly applied to the display apparatus of FIGS. 10 and11. A display apparatus including a sound generation device illustratedin the examples of FIGS. 14A to 19F may be similarly applied.

With reference to FIG. 12, a pair of first sound generation devices1800′ may include a 1-1^(st) sound generation device 1800′-1 and a1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1800′-2. The 1-1^(st) sound generationdevice 1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1800′-2 may eachinclude a magnet 620 on a first plate 610, a center pole 630 on themagnet 620, a bobbin 650 near the magnet 620 and the center pole 630,and a coil 660 wound around the bobbin 650. A second plate 610′ may benear the first plate 610, and a frame 640 may be outside the secondplate 610′. A damper 670 may be between the frame 640 and the bobbin650. A description of each of the pair of first sound generation devices1800′ is substantially similar to the description given above withreference to the example of FIG. 2, and thus, is not repeated. Also,other elements are substantially similar to those of the example of FIG.9, and thus, a detailed description is omitted. The second supportingmember described above with reference to the examples of FIGS. 9 and 10may be similarly applied to the example of FIG. 12.

With reference to FIG. 12, a pad 801 may be between a supporting plate410 and the first sound generation device 1800′. The pad 801 maydissipate heat, e.g., caused by a vibration of the first soundgeneration device 1800′, to the supporting plate 410. Therefore, becausethe heat caused by the vibration of the first sound generation device1800′ is reduced or prevented from flowing into the display panel 100,the image quality of the display panel 100 may be reduced or preventedfrom being degraded by heat occurring when a sound generation device isdriven.

The pad 801 may contact the first plate 610 of the first soundgeneration device 1800′. Thus, an area that allows heat to be dissipatedmay be enlarged, thereby increasing a heat dissipation effect.

Moreover, the pad 801 may compensate for a step height between the firstsound generation device 1800′ and the supporting plate 410. The 1-1^(st)sound generation device 1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device1800′-2 may not be uniformly provided and may not have the samethickness, thereby compensating for a step height between the 1-1^(st)sound generation device 1800′-1 and the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device1800′-2. The pad 801 may be formed of, e.g., silicon, graphite, and/orthe like, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Therefore, when a padis further provided between a supporting plate and a sound generationdevice, heat occurring in a sound generation device may be dissipated,thereby compensating for a step height between sound generation devices.

FIG. 13 illustrates a wiring of a sound generation device according toan example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a pair of sound generation devices as example, andmay also be similarly applied to the sound generation device of theexamples of FIGS. 10 and 11.

With reference to FIG. 13, a sound supporting part may be provided thatmay support a pair of sound generation devices 1800′, a plurality of ribparts disposed near the pair of sound generation devices 1800′, and aplurality of mounting holes for fixing a fixing device and a supportingmember. FIG. 13 briefly illustrates some elements described above withreference to the FIG. 6 example, and the other elements of FIG. 6 may besimilarly applied to the example of FIG. 13.

A plurality of mounting holes 1810 may be aligned with a hole of a nut330 of each of the pair of sound generation devices 1800′. Then, byfastening a screw 320, the plurality of mounting holes 1810 may fix eachof the pair of sound generation devices 1800′ to a first supportingmember 301. One or more rib parts 1920 and 1930 may be provided near thepair of sound generation devices 1800′ to reduce or prevent deformationof the pair of sound generation devices 1800′. Description other thanthat of the rib parts illustrated in FIG. 13 is substantially similar tothe description given above with reference to the FIG. 6 example, andthus, is not repeated.

A terminal 617 may be provided in an extension part 612 of each of thepair of sound generation devices 1800′. The terminal 617 may be aconnection terminal that may apply a signal to each of a 1-1^(st) soundgeneration device 1800′-1 and a 1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1800′-2included in the pair of sound generation devices 1800′. The signalapplied to each of the 1-1^(st) sound generation device 1800′-1 and the1-2^(nd) sound generation device 1800′-2 may include a positive (+)signal W1 and a negative (−) signal W2. For example, the terminal 617may include two terminals for transferring a positive (+) signal W1 anda negative (−) signal W2 applied to the 1-1^(st) sound generation device1800′-1 and two terminals for transferring a positive (+) signal W1 anda negative (−) signal W2 applied to the 1-2^(nd) sound generation device1800′-2. Also, the positive (+) signal W1 may be serially connected tothe negative (−) signal W2. As described above with reference to theexamples of FIGS. 8A to 8E, wirings for W1 and W2 may extend through ahole of a supporting plate.

FIGS. 14A to 14C illustrate a sound generation device and a partition ina display apparatus according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

With reference to FIG. 14A, a display panel 100 may display an image,and may include a first region and a second region. The first region maybe a left region of the display panel 100, and the second region may bea right region of the display panel 100. A first sound generation device1600 may be in the first region of the display panel 100, and a secondsound generation device 1600′ may be in the second region of the displaypanel 100. The first sound generation device 1600 and the second soundgeneration device 1600′ may output sounds having a middle-high-pitchedsound band, and may output a stereo sound through left-right soundseparation.

A partition 700 may be between the first sound generation device 1600and the second sound generation device 1600′. The partition 700 may be aspace or an air gap where a sound is generated when the display panel100 is vibrated by the sound generation device. An air gap or a space,which may generate or transfer sound, may be referred to as a partition,or may be referred to as an enclosure or a baffle, but the term is notlimited thereto. The partition 700 may be a whole region of four outersides of the display panel 100 or a supporting member 300. The partition700 may have a sealed structure, or may have an unsealed structure.

The partition 700 may respectively separate left sound and right soundgenerated by the first sound generation device 1600 and the second soundgeneration device 1600′. A vibration of the display panel 100 performedin a space or an air gap defined as the partition 700 may be attenuatedor absorbed by a center of the display panel 100. Thus, sound in theleft region may not be transferred to a space of the right region.Therefore, when the partition 700 is provided, the left sound and theright sound may be separated from each other. Thus, a sound outputcharacteristic may be enhanced.

The first sound generation device 1600 and the second sound generationdevice 1600′ may output sound having a middle-high-pitched sound band.Here, a middle-pitched sound band may be sound of about 200 Hz to 3 kHz,and a high-pitched sound band may be sound of about 3 kHz or more.However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The partition 700 may be formed of polyurethane, polyolefin, and/or thelike, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, thepartition 700 may be formed of a single-sided tape, a double-sided tape,an adhesive, and bond, and/or the like, but embodiments are not limitedthereto. For example, the partition 700 may be formed of a materialhaving an elastic force enabling compression to be made to some extent.

Therefore, sounds having the middle-high-pitched sound band may beoutput by two sound generation devices. Also, when a partition isbetween two sound generation devices, a left sound and a right sound maybe separated from each other, thereby enhancing a stereo characteristicof a sound.

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line of FIG. 14A. Withreference to FIG. 14B, the display apparatus may include the first andsecond sound generation devices 1600 and 1600′, the partition 700, andthe supporting member 300. The partition 700 may be between the displaypanel 1000 and the supporting member 300. The supporting member 300 maysupport one or more of a rear surface and a side surface of the displaypanel 100. The first and second sound generation devices 1600 and 1600′may be fixed to the supporting member 300. Description given above withreference to the FIG. 10 example may be similarly applied to a processof connecting the first and second sound generation devices 1600 and1600′ to the supporting member 300.

An adhesive member 400 may be in a periphery of each of the displaypanel 100 and the supporting member 300, and may attach the displaypanel 100 on the supporting member 300. The adhesive member 400 mayinclude a double-sided tape, a single-side tape, an adhesive, a bond,and/or the like, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIG. 14C illustrates another example embodiment of a sound generationdevice and a partition. With reference to FIG. 14C, a partition 700 forseparating a left sound and a right sound generated by a first soundgeneration device 1600 and a second sound generation device 1600′ may beprovided. A second partition 700′ may be further provided along fourouter sides of a display panel 100. The second partition 700′ may reduceor prevent sound from being leaked to the outside through each of sidesurfaces of the display panel 100. Thus, the second partition 700′ mayallow the sound to be output to only a region in front of the displaypanel 100, thereby enhancing a sound output characteristic.

If an adhesive member 400 is configured with a foam pad, the adhesivemember 400 may act as the second partition 700′. In this case, thesecond partition 700′ may not be provided.

FIGS. 15A to 15K illustrate a sound generation device and a partition ina display apparatus according to another example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15A to 15K, a partition having a doublestructure including two or more partitions may be provided between aleft region and a right region. The left and right regions of a displaypanel may have the same vibration characteristic when realizing a monosound in which the left and right regions output the same sound. Assuch, a resonance phenomenon or an interference phenomenon may beinwrinkled or maximized in a certain frequency band, causing thereduction in sound pressure level. Therefore, the partition may beconfigured in a structure including two or more partitions, fordecreasing an influence of a sound characteristic caused by a resonancefrequency difference of a middle-high-pitched sound that may occur in afirst sound generation device provided in a first region (e.g., the leftregion) and a second sound generation device provided in a second region(e.g., the right region). In FIGS. 15A to 15K, the partition having thedouble structure is illustrated, but three or more partitions may beprovided. When three or more partitions are provided, a sound pressurelevel may be prevented from being reduced even when sound interferencein the left and right regions increases, thereby avoiding or preventinga sound output characteristic from being discontinuously recognized.

The first sound generation device and the second sound generation devicemay output different sounds having the middle-high-pitched sound band,and a stereo sound may be output through left-right sound separation.Alternatively, the first sound generation device may be in the firstregion, e.g., the left region, the second sound generation device may bein the second region, e.g., the right region, and a sound generationdevice may not be in a third region, e.g., a center region. Accordingly,a sound characteristic corresponding to the middle-high-pitched soundband in the left region and the right region may be further enhanced.

With reference to FIGS. 15A to 15K, a display panel 100 may display animage, and may include a first region, a second region, and a thirdregion. One or more sound generation devices or a pair of soundgeneration devices may be in each of the first region and the secondregion of the display panel 100.

With reference to FIG. 15A, a first sound generation device 1600 may bein a first region, which may be a left region of a display panel 100,and a second sound generation device 1600′ may be in a second region,which may be a right region of the display panel 100. At least twopartitions (for example, a first partition 1700′ and a second partition1700″) may be between the first sound generation device 1600 and thesecond sound generation device 1600′. Alternatively, the first partition1700′ may be configured with two or more sub-partitions between thefirst sound generation device 1600 and the second sound generationdevice 1600′. Also, a third partition 1700 may be in a periphery of thedisplay panel 100 or the supporting member. Therefore, at least twopartitions may be in a center region of the display panel 100, therebydecreasing an influence of a sound characteristic caused by a resonancefrequency difference of a middle-high-pitched sound that may occur inthe left region and the right region of the display panel 100.

With reference to FIG. 15B, a first sound generation device 1600,including two sound generation device 1600-1 and 1600-2, may be in afirst region, which may be a left region of a display panel 100. Asecond sound generation device 1600′, including two sound generationdevice 1600′-1 and 1600′-2, may be in a second region, which may be aright region of the display panel 100. At least two partitions (forexample, a first partition 1700′ and a second partition 1700″) may bebetween the first sound generation device 1600 and the second soundgeneration device 1600′. Alternatively, the first partition 1700′ may beconfigured with two or more sub-partitions between the first soundgeneration device 1600 and the second sound generation device 1600′.Also, a third partition 1700 may be in a periphery of the display panel100. Therefore, at least two partitions may be in a center region of thedisplay panel 100, thereby decreasing an influence of a soundcharacteristic caused by a resonance frequency difference of amiddle-high-pitched sound that may occur in the left region and theright region of the display panel 100.

When the first and second sound generation devices 1600 and 1600′ eachincluding two sound generation devices are provided, a signal or acurrent applied to a sound generation device may be divided into twosignals or two currents, thereby reducing the occurrence of heat causedby vibration of the sound generation device. Therefore, the occurrenceof heat may be reduced, and thus, reliability may be enhanced. Also,when the first and second sound generation devices 1600 and 1600′, eachincluding two sound generation devices, are provided, a sound outputcharacteristic may be doubly improved, thereby enhancing a soundpressure level. When the first and second sound generation devices 1600and 1600′ each including two sound generation devices are in at leasttwo of the first region, the second region, and the third region, twosub-sound generation devices, corresponding to each of the first tothird regions, may output sounds having the same sound band, therebyincreasing a sound pressure level.

With reference to FIG. 15C, a pair of first sound generation device 1800may be in a first region, e.g., a left region, of a display panel 100. Apair of second sound generation devices 1800′ may be in a second region,e.g., a right region, of the display panel 100. When a pair of soundgeneration devices is in each of the first region and the second region,delay or interference between sound waves generated by the soundgeneration devices may be reduced, thereby enhancing a sound outputcharacteristic. At least two partitions (for example, a first partition1700′ and a second partition 1700″) may be between the first soundgeneration device 1800 and the second sound generation device 1800′.Alternatively, the first partition 1700′ may be configured with two ormore sub-partitions between the first sound generation device 1800 andthe second sound generation device 1800′. Also, a third partition 1700may be in a periphery of the display panel 100 or the supporting member300. Therefore, at least two partitions may be in a center region of thedisplay panel 100, thereby decreasing an influence of a soundcharacteristic caused by a resonance frequency difference of amiddle-high-pitched sound that may occur in the left region and theright region of the display panel 100.

A sound wave, generated when a display panel vibrates by a vibratingsound generation device, may be spread radially from a center of thesound generation device, and may travel. The sound wave may be referredto as a “progressive wave.” The progressive wave may be reflected by oneside of a partition to generate a reflected wave, and the reflected wavemay travel in a direction opposite to the progressive wave. Thereflected wave overlaps and interferes in the progressive wave, and doesnot travel, thereby generating a standing wave that stands at a certainposition. A sound pressure level is reduced by the standing wave, thus,a sound output characteristic is reduced. Therefore, a bent part may bein the partition to decrease the degree of reduction in sound pressurelevel caused by the standing wave generated by interference between thereflected wave and the progressive wave. Also, the standing wave thatcauses the sound pressure level to be reduced may be greatly generatedat a position at which a level of each of the progressive wave and thereflected wave is high. Accordingly, the bent part may be at a positionat which a level of a sound wave transferred from the sound generationdevice is highest. This will be described below with reference to FIGS.15D to 15K.

With reference to FIGS. 15D to 15K, a partition having a doublestructure including two or more partitions may be provided. A bent partmay be further provided on at least one side of the partition.

With reference to FIGS. 15D and 15E, a first sound generation device1600 may be in a first region, e.g., a left region, of a display panel100, and a second sound generation device 1600′ may be disposed in asecond region, e.g., a right region, of the display panel 100. At leasttwo partitions (for example, a first partition 1700′ and a secondpartition 1700″) may be between the first sound generation device 1600and the second sound generation device 1600′. Alternatively, the firstpartition 1700′ may be configured with two or more sub-partitionsbetween the first sound generation device 1600 and the second soundgeneration device 1600′. Also, a third partition 1700 may be in aperiphery of the display panel 100 or the supporting member 300. A bentpart 712 may be provided on one or more sides of the third partition1700.

The bent part 712 may be on one or more sides, where a strongest soundwave may reach, of four sides of the first partition 1700, and mayextend toward (or face) a direction of the first and second soundgeneration devices 1600 and 1600′. The bent part 712 may extend toward(or face) a center of each of the first and second sound generationdevices 1600 and 1600′. Accordingly, the degree of reduction in a soundpressure level caused by a standing wave may be reduced.

The display panel 100 may include four sides, and the bent part 712 maybe on one or more first sides of the four sides. A bent part may be oneach of two sides (for example, an upper side and a lower side) of thefour sides surrounding the display panel 100 to have a particularinclined angle “θ” with respect to a horizontal direction (or awidthwise direction) of the display panel 100. The bent part 712 may beconfigured with two rectilinear parts, and may be provided at a positionat which the two rectilinear parts contact each other. The bent part 712may be provided in a rectilinear shape, a straight line shape, a curveshape, a round shape, or the like, but a shape of the bent part 712 isnot limited to these examples.

The inclined angle “θ” of the bent part 712 may vary based on a degreeto which restriction of the standing wave is desired, and may bevariably adjusted to about 10° (degrees) to 30° (degrees). For example,if a sound output region is for the low-pitched sound band or an outputof a sound generation device is large, the inclined angle of the bentpart 712 may be set to be a large angle. Alternatively, if the soundoutput region is for the high-pitched sound band or the output of thesound generation device is small, the inclined angle of the bent part712 may be set to a be small angle. Here, the inclined angle of the bentpart 712 may be an angle at which one side of the third partition 1700is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction (or a widthwisedirection) of the display panel 100. Also, the horizontal direction (orthe widthwise direction) may correspond to a direction of a long side ofa display device, and a vertical direction (or a lengthwise direction)may correspond to a direction of a short side of the display device.

The third partition 1700 may be between the first partition 1700′ andthe second partition 1700″. The third partition 1700 may have a bentshape between the first partition 1700′ and the second partition 1700″.The bent shape of the third partition 1700 may be provided to face (orbend toward) the display panel 100. The third partition 1700 may have abent shape, a rectilinear shape, a straight line shape, a curve shape,or a round shape between the first partition 1700′ and the secondpartition 1700″, but a shape of the third partition 1700 is not limitedto these examples.

With reference to FIG. 15E, the bent part 712 and a protrusion portion722 may be provided. For example, the bent part 712 may be on one ormore sides of the third partition 1700, and one or more protrusionportions 722 may be on a side vertical or perpendicular to a side onwhich the bent part 712 is provided. A protrusion portion 722 in theleft region of the display panel 100 may extend toward (or face) thefirst sound generation device 1600. A protrusion portion 722 in theright region of the display panel 100 may extend toward (or face) thesecond sound generation device 1600′.

The protrusion portion 722 may trap a reflected wave, thereby decreasingthe degree of reduction in a sound pressure level caused by the standingwave. The protrusion portion 722 may be provided as one or in aplurality on one or more sides of the third partition 1700, and the oneor more protrusion portions 722 may be symmetrically disposed withrespect to the sound generation device. In the FIG. 15E example, one ormore protrusion portions 722 may be on a second side vertical orperpendicular to a first side of four sides of the display panel 100.

As illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 15D and 15E, the third partition1700 may have a sealed structure. Also, as illustrated in the examplesof FIGS. 15F and 15G, the third partition 1700 may have an unsealedstructure. For example, the third partition 1700 may have a zigzagstructure and the sealed structure. Alternatively, the third partition1700 may be provided in the zigzag structure and the unsealed structure.Alternatively, the bent part 712 may have the sealed structure, and aportion of the bent part 712 between the first partition 1700′ and thesecond partition 1700″ may have the unsealed structure. If the thirdpartition 1700 is the unsealed structure, the cost of materials of thethird partition 1700 may be reduced in comparison with the sealedstructure. Also, the inventors have confirmed that a soundcharacteristic difference does not occur between a case in which thethird partition 1700 is the unsealed structure and a case in which thethird partition 1700 is the sealed structure.

With reference to FIGS. 15F and 15G, a first sound generation device1600 may be in a first region, e.g., a left region of a display panel100, and a second sound generation device 1600′ may be in a secondregion, e.g., a right region, of the display panel 100. A firstpartition 1700′ and a second partition 1700″ may be between the firstsound generation device 1600 and the second sound generation device1600′, and a third partition 1700 may be in a periphery of the displaypanel 100. The first partition 1700′ may be configured with two or moresub-partitions between the first sound generation device 1600 and thesecond sound generation device 1600′. A bent part 712 may be on one ormore sides of the third partition 1700. The bent part 712 may bendtoward a central direction of the first sound generation device 1600 anda central direction of the second sound generation device 1600′. Thethird partition 1700 may have the unsealed structure. For example, thethird partition 1700 may have the zigzag structure and the unsealedstructure. Alternatively, the third partition 1700 may have the unsealedstructure, and a portion of the bent part 712 between the firstpartition 1700′ and the second partition 1700″ may have the sealedstructure.

In FIG. 15G, an example in which a protrusion portion 722 is furtherprovided is illustrated. A description of the protrusion portion 722 issubstantially similar to the description given above with reference toFIG. 15E, and is not repeated.

In the examples of FIGS. 15H and 15I, each of a protrusion portion 722and a second protrusion portion 723 may be provided as one or in aplurality on a second side vertical to a first side of four sides of thedisplay panel 100. A protrusion portion 722 and a second protrusionportion 723, in a left region of a display panel 100, may extend toward(or face) a first sound generation device 1600. A protrusion portion 722and a second protrusion portion 723, in a right region of the displaypanel 100, may extend toward (or face) a second sound generation device1600′. Therefore, when the protrusion portion 722 and the secondprotrusion portion 723 are provided, the protrusion portion 722 and thesecond protrusion portion 723 may trap a reflected wave, therebydecreasing the degree of reduction in a sound pressure level caused bythe standing wave.

As illustrated in the FIG. 15H example, a third partition 1700 may havethe sealed structure. As illustrated in the FIG. 15I example, the thirdpartition 1700 may have the unsealed structure. A description of thethird partition 1700 is substantially similar to the description givenabove with reference to FIGS. 15D to 15G, and is not repeated.

In FIGS. 15J and 15K, an interval or space between a first partition1700′ and a second partition 1700″ may be set to be greater than aninterval or space in FIGS. 15A to 15I. For example, a soundcharacteristic corresponding to the low-pitched sound band may be moreenhanced than a case in which an area of a first region, an area of asecond region, and an area of a third region are the same.

In FIG. 15K, an example in which a protrusion portion 722 is furtherprovided is illustrated. A description of the protrusion portion 722 issubstantially similar to the description given above with reference toFIG. 15E, and is not repeated. A structure of each of the soundgeneration device and the partition illustrated in FIGS. 15C to 15H maybe similarly applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 15I and 15J.

In FIGS. 15D to 15K, examples in which one sound generation device is ineach of the first region and the second region of the display panel 100is illustrated, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, apair of sound generation devices may be in each of the first region andthe second region of the display panel 100, as illustrated in FIG. 15C.Also, in FIGS. 15D to 15K, a sound generation device including two soundgeneration devices may be in each of the first region and the secondregion of the display panel 100, as illustrated in FIG. 15B.

In FIGS. 15A to 15K, the display panel 100 may include three regions,and a sound generation device may not be in the third region, e.g., acenter region, of the display panel 100. An area of the third region maybe set to be less than that of each of the first and second regions. Inthis case, sound quality corresponding to the low-pitched sound band maybe enhanced. Also, an area of the first region, an area of the secondregion, and an area of the third region may be equally set for a soundoutput characteristic corresponding to the middle-high-pitched soundband to be almost similar to a sound output characteristic correspondingto the low-pitched sound band. Also, to enhance a sound outputcharacteristic corresponding to the low-pitched sound band, an area ofthe third region may be set greater than that of each of the first andsecond regions.

In FIGS. 15J and 15K, the third partition 1700 may have the unsealedstructure, Alternatively, the third partition 1700 may have the sealedstructure.

FIGS. 15D to 15I illustrate examples in which a sound generation deviceis not in a center of the left region, which may be the first region ofthe display panel 100, or a center of the right region, which may be thesecond region. Rather, in those examples, the sound generation devicemay be close to the left region or the right region. However,embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the sound generationdevice may be in the center of the left region, which may be the firstregion of the display panel 100, or the center of the right region,which may be the second region. Alternatively, the sound generationdevice may be asymmetrically disposed in the first region and the secondregion of the display panel 100. A stereo sound characteristic is moreenhanced when the sound generation device is close to the left region orthe right region, as compared to a case in which the sound generationdevice is in the center of the left region, which may be the firstregion of the display panel 100, or the center of the right region,which may be the second region. In FIGS. 15A to 15K, an adhesive memberfor attaching a display panel to a supporting member may be provided ina periphery of each of the display panel and the supporting member, asillustrated in the examples of FIGS. 14A to 14C.

A sound output characteristic corresponding to a case in which a bentpart is provided will be described below with reference to FIG. 16.Also, a sound output characteristic corresponding to a case in which abent part and a protrusion portion are provided will be described belowwith reference to FIG. 17.

FIG. 16 illustrates a sound output characteristic according to anotherexample embodiment of a sound generation device and a partition in adisplay apparatus according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

In FIG. 16, a dotted line shows a sound output characteristic of FIG.15A, and a solid line shows a sound output characteristic of FIG. 15D.With reference to FIG. 16, it can be seen that in a frequency of about200 Hz corresponding to the low-pitched sound band, a sound outputcharacteristic is better when a bent part is provided, as compared towhen the bent part is not provided.

FIG. 17 illustrates a sound output characteristic according to anotherexample embodiment of a sound generation device and a partition in adisplay apparatus according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

In FIG. 17, a dotted line shows a sound output characteristic of FIG.15A, and a solid line shows a sound output characteristic of FIG. 15E.With reference to FIG. 17, it can be seen that a frequencycharacteristic corresponding to a whole sound band is better when a bentpart and a protrusion portion are provided, as compared to when the bentpart and the protrusion portion are not provided.

The sound output characteristic of each of the examples of FIGS. 16 and17 may be measured by a sound analysis apparatus. The sound analysisapparatus may include a sound card that may transmit or receive a soundto or from a control PC, an amplifier that may amplify a signalgenerated from the sound card and may transfer the amplified signal tosound generation devices 1600 and 1600′, and a microphone that maycollect a sound generated by the sound generation devices 1600 and 1600′in a display panel. The sound collected through the microphone may beinput to the control PC through the sound card, and a control programmay check the input sound to analyze the sound of the sound generationdevices 1600 and 1600′.

FIGS. 18A to 18F illustrate another example embodiment of a soundgeneration device and a partition in a display apparatus according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 18A to 18F illustrate examples in which one or more soundgeneration devices or a pair of sound generation devices are in each ofa first region and a second region of a display panel. In FIGS. 18A to18F, a third partition 1700 may have the sealed structure. For example,the third partition 1700 may have the zigzag structure and the sealedstructure. Alternatively, a bent part 712 may have the sealed structure,and a portion of the bent part 712 between a first partition 1700′ and asecond partition 1700″ may have the unsealed structure. The portion ofthe bent part 712 between the first partition 1700′ and the secondpartition 1700″ may have a rectilinear shape, a straight line shape, acurve shape, or a round shape, but the shape is not limited to theseexamples.

FIGS. 18A, 18C, and 18E illustrate examples in which a sound generationdevice is in a center of a left region, which may be a first region of adisplay panel 100, or a center of a right region, which may be a secondregion. In FIGS. 18B, 18D, and 18F, examples in which the soundgeneration device is asymmetrically disposed are illustrated. Forexample, FIGS. 18B, 18D, and 18F illustrate examples in which the soundgeneration device is close to the left region, which may be the firstregion of the display panel 100, or the right region, which may be thesecond region.

With reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, a first sound generation device1600, including two sound generation devices 1600-1 and 1600-2, may bein a first region, which may be a left region of a display panel 100,and a second sound generation device 1600′, including two soundgeneration devices 1600′-1 and 1600′-2, may be in a second region, whichmay be a right region of the display panel 100. A first partition 1700′and a second partition 1700″ may be between the first sound generationdevice 1600 and the second sound generation device 1600′, and a thirdpartition 1700 may be in a periphery of the display panel 100.Alternatively, the first partition 1700′ may include two or moresub-partitions between the first sound generation device 1600 and thesecond sound generation device 1600′. A bent part 712 may be on one ormore sides of the third partition 1700, and may bend in a directiontoward a center of the two sound generation devices 1600-1 and 1600-2 ofthe first sound generation device 1600, and in a direction toward acenter of the two sound generation devices 1600′-1 and 1600′-2 of thesecond sound generation device 1600′.

With reference to FIGS. 18C and 18D, a pair of first sound generationdevices 1800 may be in a first region, which may be a left region of adisplay panel 100, and a pair of second sound generation devices 1800′may be in a second region, which may be a right region of the displaypanel 100. A first partition 1700′ and a second partition 1700″ may bebetween the first sound generation device 1800 and the second soundgeneration device 1800′, and a third partition 1700 may be disposed in aperiphery of the display panel 100. Alternatively, the first partition1700′ may include two or more sub-partitions between the first soundgeneration device 1800 and the second sound generation device 1800′. Abent part 712 may be on one or more sides of the third partition 1700.For example, the bent part 712 may be bent in a direction toward acenter of the pair of first sound generation devices 1800, and in adirection toward a center of the pair of second sound generation devices1800′.

In FIGS. 18C and 18D, one or more protrusion portions may be furtherprovided on a side vertical or perpendicular to a side on which the bentpart 712 is provided, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 15G, 15H,15I, and 15K. Alternatively, one or more protrusion portions may befurther provided on a side of the third partition 1700. Also, as in theexamples of FIGS. 15H and 15I, one or more protrusion portions may befurther provided on each side vertical (or perpendicular) to the side onwhich the bent part 712 is provided. Alternatively, one or moreprotrusion portions may be further provided on a side of each of thefirst partition 1700′, the second partition 1700″, and the thirdpartition 1700.

With reference to FIGS. 18E and 18F, a first sound generation device1600, including two sound generation devices 1600-1 and 1600-2, may bein a first region, which may be a left region of a display panel 100. Asecond sound generation device 1600′, including two sound generationdevices 1600′-1 and 1600′-2, may be in a second region, which may be aright region of the display panel 100.

When the first and second sound generation devices 1600 and 1600′, eachincluding two sound generation devices, are provided, a signal or acurrent applied to a sound generation device may be divided into twosignals or two currents, thereby reducing the occurrence of heat causedby a vibration of the sound generation device. Therefore, the occurrenceof heat may be reduced, and thus, reliability may be enhanced. When thefirst and second sound generation devices 1600 and 1600′, each includingtwo sound generation devices, are provided, a sound outputcharacteristic may be doubly improved, thereby enhancing a soundpressure level. When the first and second sound generation devices 1600and 1600′, each including two sound generation devices, are in at leasttwo of the first region, the second region, and the third region, twosub-sound generation devices corresponding to each of the first to thirdregions may output sounds having the same sound band, thereby increasinga sound pressure level.

Moreover, one or more protrusion portions 722 may be further provided oneach side vertical (or perpendicular) to the side on which the bent part712 is provided. Alternatively, one or more protrusion portions may befurther provided on a side of each of the first partition 1700′, thesecond partition 1700″, and the third partition 1700.

In the examples of FIGS. 18E and 18F, a second protrusion portiondescribed above with reference to 15H and 15I may be further provided.Each of a protrusion portion and a second protrusion portion may beprovided as one or as a plurality on a second side vertical to a firstside of four sides of the display panel 100. A protrusion portion may bein the left region of the display panel 100, and the protrusion portionand a second protrusion portion may face the first sound generationdevice 1600. A protrusion portion may be in the right region of thedisplay panel 100, and the protrusion portion and a second protrusionportion may be face the second sound generation device 1600′.

The first sound generation device 1600 and the second sound generationdevice 1600′ may output different sounds having the middle-high-pitchedsound band, and a stereo sound may be output through left-right soundseparation. Alternatively, the first sound generation device 1600 may bein the first region, which may be the left region, the second soundgeneration device 1600′ may be in the second region, which may be theright region, and a sound generation device may not be in a thirdregion, which may be a center region. Accordingly, a soundcharacteristic corresponding to the middle-high-pitched sound band inthe left region and the right region may be more enhanced. In theexamples of FIGS. 18A to 18F, an adhesive member for attaching a displaypanel to a supporting member may be in a periphery of each of thedisplay panel and the supporting member, as in the FIG. 14 example.

FIGS. 19A to 19F illustrate another example embodiment of a soundgeneration device and a partition in a display apparatus according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the examples of FIGS. 19A to 19F, one or more sound generationdevices or a pair of sound generation devices are in each of a firstregion and a second region of a display panel. In the examples of FIGS.19A to 19F, a third partition 1700 may have the unsealed structure. Forexample, the third partition 1700 may have the zigzag structure and theunsealed structure. Alternatively, a bent part 712 may have the unsealedstructure, and a portion of the bent part 712 between a first partition1700′ and a second partition 1700″ may have the sealed structure. Theportion of the bent part 712 between the first partition 1700′ and thesecond partition 1700″ may have a rectilinear shape, a straight lineshape, a curve shape, or a round shape, but embodiments are not limitedthereto.

FIGS. 19A, 19C, and 19E are diagrams illustrating examples in which asound generation device is in a center of a left region, which may be afirst region of a display panel 100, or a center of a right region,which may be a second region. In FIGS. 19B, 19D, and 19F, examples inwhich the sound generation device is asymmetrically disposed areillustrated. For example, FIGS. 19B, 19D, and 19F are diagramsillustrating examples in which the sound generation device is close tothe left region, which may be the first region of the display panel 100,or the right region, which may be the second region.

With reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B, a first sound generation device1600, including two sound generation devices 1600-1 and 1600-2, may bein a first region, which may be a left region of a display panel 100. Asecond sound generation device 1600′, including two sound generationdevices 1600′-1 and 1600′-2, may be in a second region, which may be aright region of the display panel 100. A first partition 1700′ and asecond partition 1700″ may be between the first sound generation device1600 and the second sound generation device 1600′, and a third partition1700 may be in a periphery of the display panel 100. Alternatively, thefirst partition 1700′ may include two or more sub-partitions between thefirst sound generation device 1600 and the second sound generationdevice 1600′. A bent part 712 may be on one or more sides of the thirdpartition 1700, and may bend in a direction toward a center of the twosound generation devices 1600-1 and 1600-2 of the first sound generationdevice 1600, and in a direction toward a center of the two soundgeneration devices 1600′-1 and 1600′-2 of the second sound generationdevice 1600′.

With reference to the examples of FIGS. 19C and 19D, a pair of firstsound generation devices 1800 may be in a first region, which may be aleft region of a display panel 100, and a pair of second soundgeneration devices 1800′ may be in a second region, which may be a rightregion of the display panel 100. A first partition 1700′ and a secondpartition 1700″ may be between the first sound generation device 1800and the second sound generation device 1800′, and a third partition 1700may be in a periphery of the display panel 100. Alternatively, the firstpartition 1700′ may include two or more sub-partitions between the firstsound generation device 1800 and the second sound generation device1800′. A bent part 712 may be on one or more sides of the thirdpartition 1700. For example, the bent part 712 may bend in a directiontoward a center of the pair of first sound generation devices 1800, andin a direction toward a center of the pair of second sound generationdevices 1800′.

In FIGS. 19C and 19D, one or more protrusions may be further provided ona side vertical (or perpendicular) to a side on which the bent part 712is provided, as in the examples of FIGS. 15G, 15H, 15I, and 15K.Alternatively, one or more protrusions may be further provided on a sideof the third partition 1700. Also, as in the examples of FIGS. 15H and15I, one or more protrusions may be further provided on each sidevertical (or perpendicular) to the side on which the bent part 712 isprovided. Alternatively, one or more protrusion portions may be furtherprovided on a side of each of the first partition 1700′, the secondpartition 1700″, and the third partition 1700.

With reference to FIGS. 19E and 19F, a first sound generation device1600, including two sound generation device 1600-1 and 1600-2, may be ina first region, which may be a left region of a display panel 100. Asecond sound generation device 1600′, including two sound generationdevice 1600′-1 and 1600′-2, may be in a second region, which may be aright region of the display panel 100.

Moreover, when the first and second sound generation devices 1600 and1600′, each including two sound generation devices, are provided, asignal or a current applied to a sound generation device may be dividedinto two signals or two currents, thereby reducing the occurrence ofheat caused by a vibration of the sound generation device. Therefore,the occurrence of heat may be reduced, and thus, reliability may beenhanced. Also, when the first and second sound generation devices 1600and 1600′, each including two sound generation devices, are provided, asound output characteristic may be doubly improved, thereby enhancing asound pressure level. Also, when the first and second sound generationdevices 1600 and 1600′, each including two sound generation devices, arein at least two of the first region, the second region, and the thirdregion, two sub-sound generation devices, corresponding to each of thefirst to third regions, may output sounds having the same sound band,thereby increasing a sound pressure level.

Moreover, one or more protrusion portions 722 may be further provided oneach side vertical (or perpendicular) to the side on which the bent part712 is provided. Alternatively, one or more protrusion portions may befurther provided on a side of each of the first partition 1700′, thesecond partition 1700″, and the third partition 1700.

In the examples of FIGS. 19E and 19F, a second protrusion portion, e.g.,the second protrusion portion 723 described above with reference to theexamples of FIGS. 15H and 15I, may be further provided. Each of aprotrusion portion 722 and a second protrusion portion 723 may beprovided as one or as a plurality on a second side vertical to a firstside of four sides of the display panel 100. A protrusion portion 722may be in the left region of the display panel 100, and the protrusionportion 722 and a second protrusion portion 723 may face the first soundgeneration device 1600. A protrusion portion 722 may be in the rightregion of the display panel 100, and the protrusion portion 722 and asecond protrusion portion 723 may face the second sound generationdevice 1600′.

The first sound generation device 1600 and the second sound generationdevice 1600′ may output different sounds having the middle-high-pitchedsound band, and a stereo sound may be output through left-right soundseparation. Alternatively, the first sound generation device 1600 may bein the first region, which may be the left region, the second soundgeneration device 1600′ may be in the second region, which may be theright region, and a sound generation device may not be provided in athird region, which may be a center region. Accordingly, a soundcharacteristic corresponding to the middle-high-pitched sound band inthe left region and the right region may be more enhanced.

In FIGS. 19A to 19F, an adhesive member for attaching a display panel toa supporting member may be in a periphery of each of the display paneland the supporting member as in FIG. 14. Descriptions given above withreference to FIGS. 8A to 13 may be applied substantially similar toembodiments of the sound generation device and the partition describedwith reference to FIGS. 14A to 14C, 15A to 15K, 18A to 18F, and 19A to19F.

A display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosurewill be described below.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a displayapparatus may include: a display panel configured to display an image, asupporting member on a rear surface of the display panel, at least onesound generation device adjacent to the display panel, a wiringconfigured to transfer a signal to the at least one sound generationdevice, and a supporting plate on the rear surface of the display panel,the supporting plate being under the at least one sound generationdevice and the wiring.

For example, in the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the at least one sound generation device mayinclude: a plate including an extension part, a magnet and a center poleon the plate, a bobbin near the center pole, a coil around the bobbin,and a terminal in the extension part, the terminal being connected tothe wiring. For example, in the display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the supporting plate may includeat least one hole, and a portion of the wiring may extend to a rearsurface of the supporting member through the at least one hole.

For example, the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure may further include a rear cover on the rear surfaceof the supporting member, and the extended portion of the wiring may beunder the rear cover. For example, the display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present disclosure may further include a rear cover onthe rear surface of the supporting member, and the supporting plate andthe extended portion of the wiring may be under the rear cover.

For example, the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure may further include a pad between the at least onesound generation device and the supporting plate. For example, in thedisplay apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,the at least one sound generation device may include one of: one soundgeneration device, two sound generation devices, and a pair of soundgeneration devices.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a displayapparatus may include: a display panel configured to display an image,at least one supporting member on a rear surface of the display panel,at least one sound generation device adjacent to the display panel, awiring configured to transfer a signal to the at least one soundgeneration device, and a supporting plate on a rear surface of the atleast one supporting member, the supporting plate including at least onehole through which the wiring may extend to the rear surface of the atleast one supporting member.

For example, in the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the at least one sound generation device and thewiring may be covered by the supporting plate. For example, in thedisplay apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,the at least one sound generation device may include: a magnet and acenter pole on a plate, an extension part extending from the plate, abobbin near the center pole, a coil around the bobbin, and a terminal inthe extension part, the terminal being connected to the wiring.

For example, in the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the at least one supporting member may include: afirst supporting member, and a second supporting member on the firstsupporting member. For example, in the display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the first supporting member mayinclude glass or stainless steel, and the second supporting member mayinclude a metal material.

For example, the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure may further include a rear cover on the rear surfaceof the at least one supporting member, and a portion of the wiringextending to the rear surface of the at least one supporting member maybe covered by the rear cover. For example, the display apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further includea rear cover on the rear surface of the at least one supporting member,and the supporting plate and a portion of the wiring extending to therear surface of the at least one supporting member may be covered by therear cover.

For example, in the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the at least one supporting member may include adriving circuit unit configured to supply the signal to the wiring, andthe wiring may be connected to the driving circuit unit. For example,the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure may further include a rear cover on the rear surface of theat least one supporting member, and the driving circuit unit and thewiring connected to the driving circuit unit may be covered by the rearcover.

For example, the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure may further include a pad between the at least onesound generation device and the supporting plate. For example, thedisplay apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosuremay further include a partition in one of: a periphery of the displaypanel, and a space between a first and a second of the at least onesound generation device.

For example, in the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the display panel may include a first region, asecond region, and a third region, and the at least one sound generationdevice may be in at least one of: the first region, the second region,and the third region. For example, the display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present disclosure may further include at least onefirst partition between the first region and the third region, and atleast one second partition between the second region and the thirdregion.

For example, the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure may further include at least one first partitionbetween the first region and the third region, at least one secondpartition between the second region and the third region, and a thirdpartition in a periphery of the display panel, and the third partitionmay include a bent part that may be bent in a direction toward the atleast one sound generation device. For example, the display apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further includeat least one first partition between the first region and the thirdregion, at least one second partition between the second region and thethird region, and a third partition in a periphery of the display panel,the third partition including: a bent part that may be bent in adirection toward the at least one sound generation device, and at leastone protrusion portion on at least one side of the third partition.

For example, in the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, each of the first region and the second region maybe configured to generate sound having a middle-high-pitched sound band,and the third region may be configured to generate sound having alow-pitched sound band. For example, in the display apparatus accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one soundgeneration device may include one of: one sound generation device, twosound generation devices, and a pair of sound generation devices.

As described above, when a display apparatus according to an embodimentof the present disclosure includes the sound generation deviceconfigured to vibrate the display panel to generate sound, the sound ofthe display apparatus may be output to a region in front direction orfront surface of the display panel. Accordingly, an immersion experienceof a viewer, who may be watching an image displayed by the displayapparatus, may be enhanced.

Moreover, when a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure includes the sound generation device that vibratesthe display panel to generate sound, a speaker may not be provided.Thus, a degree of freedom in design and element disposition of a setapparatus may be enhanced.

Moreover, in a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the sound generation device and the wiring forsupplying a signal to the sound generation device may be covered by thesupporting plate. Accordingly, a display apparatus having an enhancedsense of beauty may be provided.

Moreover, in a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the sound generation device and the wiring forsupplying a signal to the sound generation device may be under thesupporting plate, the supporting plate and the wiring extending to thehole of the supporting plate may be covered by the rear cover, and thewiring and the sound generation device may not be exposed at the rearsurface of the supporting member. Accordingly, a display apparatushaving an enhanced sense of beauty may be provided.

Moreover, in a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the wiring extending to the hole of the supportingplate may be covered by the rear cover, thereby solving a problem of aseparate structure for hiding the wiring being provided through aprocess.

Moreover, in a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, when the supporting plate covering the soundgeneration device and the wiring and the wiring extending to the hole ofthe supporting plate are covered by the rear cover, the hidden exciterand wire structure may be implemented. Accordingly, a display apparatushaving a clean-looking design may be provided.

Moreover, in a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, when the wiring extending to the hole of thesupporting plate is covered by the rear cover, a width of each of thesound generation device and the wiring covered by the supporting platemay be reduced, thereby solving a problem in which it may be difficultfor the display apparatus to have a sense of beauty due to a thicknessor height of the supporting plate or disposition of the sound generationdevice.

Moreover, in a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the first supporting member may be formed of glassor stainless steel, thereby enhancing an external design of the displaydevice.

Moreover, in a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, when the first supporting member and the secondsupporting member are provided, the sound generation device may becloser to the front surface of the display panel by a distancecorresponding to a thickness of the first supporting member, therebydecreasing a thickness of the sound generation device. Accordingly, athickness of the display apparatus may be reduced.

Moreover, in a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, when the first supporting member and the secondsupporting member are provided, a thickness of the sound generationdevice may be reduced, thereby solving a problem in which a thickness orheight of the supporting plate covering the sound generation deviceincreases.

Moreover, in a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, when the pad is between the sound generation deviceand the supporting plate, heat occurring due to driving of the soundgeneration device may be reduced or prevented from flowing into thedisplay panel, thereby preventing the image quality of the display panelfrom being degraded.

Moreover, in a display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, when the pad is provided to contact the soundgeneration device, an area that allows heat to be dissipated may beenlarged. Thus, a heat dissipation effect may increase.

Moreover, in the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, when the partition is between one or more soundgeneration devices on the display panel, the partition may separate asound. Thus, a stereo sound may be realized, and a display apparatushaving an enhanced sound output characteristic may be provided.

Moreover, when the display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure includes the partition including the bent part or theprotrusion, sound quality may be improved or prevented from beingdegraded due to the standing wave or the reflected wave that may occurin the display panel. Accordingly, a display apparatus having anenhanced sound output characteristic may be provided.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations may be made in the present disclosurewithout departing from the technical idea or scope of the disclosure.Thus, it may be intended that embodiments of the present disclosurecover the modifications and variations of the disclosure provided theycome within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display apparatus, comprising: a display panelconfigured to display an image; a supporting member on a rear surface ofthe display panel; at least one sound generation device on the rearsurface of the display panel, the at least one sound generation devicebeing configured to vibrate the display panel to generate sound; awiring configured to transfer a signal to the at least one soundgeneration device; and a supporting plate on the rear surface of thedisplay panel, the supporting plate including at least one hole, and thewiring extending through the at least one hole, wherein a first portionof the wiring extending toward the at least one sound generation devicethrough the at least one hole is connected to the at least one soundgeneration device between the supporting member and the supportingplate.
 2. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onesound generation device comprises: a plate comprising an extension part;a magnet and a center pole on the plate; a bobbin near the center pole;a coil around the bobbin; and a terminal in the extension part, theterminal being connected to the wiring.
 3. The display apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the supporting plate covers the at least one soundgeneration device.
 4. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesupporting plate covers the at least one sound generation device and thewiring.
 5. The display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a padbetween the at least one sound generation device and the supportingplate.
 6. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onesound generation device comprises one of: one sound generation device,two sound generation devices, and a pair of sound generation devices. 7.The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the at least one soundgeneration device includes a pair of sound generation devices; the pairof sound generation devices further includes one or more rib parts nearthe pair of sound generation devices.
 8. The display apparatus of claim1, wherein a second portion of the wiring extends to a rear surface ofthe supporting member through the at least one hole.
 9. The displayapparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a rear cover on the rearsurface of the supporting member, wherein the rear cover covers thesecond portion of the wiring.
 10. The display apparatus of claim 8,further comprising: a rear cover on the rear surface of the supportingmember, wherein the rear cover covers the supporting plate and thesecond portion of the wiring.
 11. A display apparatus, comprising: adisplay panel configured to display an image; at least one supportingmember on a rear surface of the display panel; at least one soundgeneration device on the rear surface of the display panel, the at leastone sound generation device being configured to vibrate the displaypanel to generate sound; a wiring configured to transfer a signal to theat least one sound generation device; and a supporting plate on a rearsurface of the at least one supporting member, the supporting plateincluding at least one hole and configured to cover the wiring, whereina first portion of the wiring extending toward the at least one soundgeneration device through the at least one hole is connected to the atleast one sound generation device between the supporting member and thesupporting plate.
 12. The display apparatus of claim 11, wherein asecond portion of the wiring extends toward a rear surface of the atleast one supporting member through the at least one hole.
 13. Thedisplay apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one sound generationdevice and the first portion of the wiring are covered by the supportingplate.
 14. The display apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least onesound generation device comprises: a magnet and a center pole on aplate; an extension part extending from the plate; a bobbin near thecenter pole; a coil around the bobbin; and a terminal in the extensionpart, the terminal being connected to the wiring.
 15. The displayapparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one supporting membercomprises: a first supporting member; and a second supporting member onthe first supporting member.
 16. The display apparatus of claim 15,wherein: the first supporting member comprises glass or stainless steel;and the second supporting member comprises a metal material.
 17. Thedisplay apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a rear cover on therear surface of the at least one supporting member, wherein the secondportion of the wiring is covered by the rear cover.
 18. The displayapparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a rear cover on the rearsurface of the at least one supporting member, wherein the supportingplate and the second portion of the wiring are covered by the rearcover.
 19. The display apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the at least onesupporting member comprises a driving circuit unit configured to supplythe signal to the wiring; and the second portion of the wiring isconnected to the driving circuit unit.
 20. The display apparatus ofclaim 19, further comprising: a rear cover on the rear surface of the atleast one supporting member, wherein the driving circuit unit and thesecond portion of the wiring are covered by the rear cover.
 21. Thedisplay apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a pad between the atleast one sound generation device and the supporting plate.
 22. Thedisplay apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the display panel comprises afirst region, a second region, and a third region; and the at least onesound generation device is in at least one of: the first region, thesecond region, and the third region.
 23. The display apparatus of claim22, further comprising: at least one first partition between the firstregion and the third region; and at least one second partition betweenthe second region and the third region.
 24. The display apparatus ofclaim 22, further comprising: at least one first partition between thefirst region and the third region; at least one second partition betweenthe second region and the third region; and a third partition in aperiphery of the display panel, wherein the third partition comprises abent part on one or more sides of the third partition.
 25. The displayapparatus of claim 22, further comprising: at least one first partitionbetween the first region and the third region; at least one secondpartition between the second region and the third region; and a thirdpartition in a periphery of the display panel, the third partitioncomprising: a bent part on one or more sides of the third partition; andat least one protrusion portion on at least one side vertical to the oneor more sides of the third partition.
 26. The display apparatus of claim22, wherein: each of the first region and the second region isconfigured to generate sound having a middle-high-pitched sound band;and the third region is configured to generate sound having alow-pitched sound band.